‘Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan’: Number of malnourished children has declined by 48 per cent in Chhattisgarh
Raipur: Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan started by the state government for eradication of malnutrition and anemia is yielding significant positive results. In the last three years, about 2.11 lakh children of the state have been freed from malnutrition. In the year 2019 i.e. at the beginning of this campaign, number of malnourished children in the state was 4.33 lakh and as a result of the effective implementation of the campaign, the number of malnourished children in the state has decreased by 48 per cent, which is a remarkable achievement. Besides, about 85,000 women of the state have been cured of anemia, with regular supply of hot-cooked food and nutritious meals under the scheme.
Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan saved Junita’s life, provisions of the scheme helped her give gave birth to a healthy baby
Under Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan, a program is being run to make Dantewada anemia-free. Under this programme, adolescent girls, pregnant women are being screened and treated in schools, ashram premises. Junita, a resident of Pujari Para of Kuakonda development block of the district also had her test done for anemia. Junita was pregnant at that time, and she was found to be anemic in the test. Hemoglobin level in her blood was found to be 5.6 points below normal. Junita was identified as a high risk pregnant woman. Continuous follow up of her health condition was ensured and after proper tests, she was given iron and calcium tablets. These efforts made under Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan helped Junita defeat malnutrition. After 9 months, she gave birth to a healthy daughter in the district hospital. Today, Junita has a happy and healthy family.
Number of malnourished children in the state is less than the national average
On the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, chief minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated Suposhan Yojana in the entire state. This scheme is being effective implemented in all the districts with the aim of reducing the mortality rate of women and children. Suposhan Yojana is aimed at eradication of malnutrition and anemia through distribution of free nutritious food, laddus made of groundnut and jaggery to children and pregnant and lactating mothers every day. It is worth mentioning that according to National Family Survey-4, 37.7 per cent of the children in state under 5 years of age were malnourished, whereas according to National Family Survey-5, the percentage of malnourished children in the state has come down to 31.30, which is less than the national average of 32.10 per cent.
