Special attention will be given to health and well-being of malnourished children during nutrition month: Dr Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, September 5, 2023: Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and following the guidelines of the Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, the department is celebrating the month of September as Nutrition Month.

Cabinet Minister mentioned that Nutrition Month focuses on the health and well-being of severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) and Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) children. The Poshan Abhiyan aims to comprehensively improve nutrition outcomes among pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children under 6 years of age.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that to run this month-long campaign on a large scale, the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Water Supply and Sanitation Department, Department of Health and Family, RBSK, Department of Rural Development Panchayat, Department of School Education, Punjab state Fisheries Department Board, Department of Agriculture, Skill Development Department, Housing and Urban Development Departments are utilizing the services of regional staff.

She added that to transform it into a people's movement, the staff of the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Anganwadi Workers, Helpers, Supervisors, CDPOs, NGOs, Asha Workers, ANMs, Agricultural Societies, Co-operative Societies, Self-Help Groups, Youth Clubs, and others are working together.

The Minister mentioned that activities during Poshan Month will include promoting breastfeeding, providing a balanced diet, promoting healthy child development, studying nutrition, improving nutrition through mission life,  Meri Mati Mera Desh,  Tribal focussed nutrition sensitisation and addressing anemia-related topics through testing, treatment, and education.

She also emphasized that special attention will be given to spreading awareness about anemia and proper hygiene. The campaign aims to educate people about exercise, environmental improvement and the importance of a healthy and nutritious diet.

Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that Poshan Abhiyan plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of malnutrition in Punjab and promoting the health of children and mothers. With mutual support, we can contribute to a brighter future for Punjab by making significant improvements in the lives of these children.