Anganwadi workers come to the rescue of two infants

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 5

A 15-day-old baby, who had a hole in her heart, was given financial assistance. An anganwadi worker had intervened to help the baby under the ‘Poshan Abhiyan’ of the Ministry of Women and Child and Development.

On May 10, Kanchan, a resident of Palsora visited an anganwadi centre in Palsora and sought relief for her daughter, who was suffering from Atrial Septal Defect.

She said her daughter was born with a hole in her heart and PGIMER doctors had recommended an operation to treat the baby. However, her in-laws were not supporting Kanchan financially and emotionally, for bearing the second girl child with health issues. The total expenses for the operation of the girl — Rs 1 lakh — were arranged in collaboration with the rotary club.

In yet another case, Asha, an anganwadi worker at Kajheri during visits to homes in her area for post-natal care observed that an 18-month-old girl was having difficulty in breathing as a grain of wheat had stuck in her windpipe. The girl child was taken to General Medical Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, for check up. After blood test, an infection was detected. Meanwhile, her health condition worsened and she was referred to the PGIMER emergency and was successfully operated on.

Poshan Maah

Month-long ‘Poshan Maah 2019’ is being celebrated by the Department of Social Welfare, Chandigarh. Awareness regarding the nutrition needs of mothers of young children, expectant and lactating women is being created at 450 anganwadi centres across the city.

Focus is being laid on migratory population and those living in the slum areas. Kitchen gardens will be made available in spaces, including rooftops by the urban local bodies. A ‘Poshan Chaupal’ at village-level will be initiated by the Panchayat during the Poshan Maah to initiate discussions and to create awareness in the community on health and nutrition-related subject.

5 elements of POSHAN

First 1,000 days

A child’s physical and mental development is rapid during the first 1,000 days, which includes the period of pregnancy and two years post birth. During this period, the mother and child require optimal nutrition & care. 

Nutritious food

All age groups, including children from 6 months of age, need to consume a variety of nutritious food in adequate quantities. When a child completes six months, in addition to breast milk, he/she should be given mashed and semi-solid food prepared at home such as pumpkins, gourds and carrots.

Anaemia

Clamp the umbilical cord after 3 minutes of birth to improve iron stores in the newborn in the first months of life.

Diarrhoea

Zinc should be given for 14 days to children suffering from diarrhoea. Mothers should breastfeed the baby frequently.

Hygiene and sanitation

Adolescent girls and women should practice personal hygiene and sanitation during menstruation. Wash the child’s hands before feeding the child.