Nutrition Paves the Way for a Golden Future : Collector Garima Agrawal
RSD_Thangallapalli: Rajanna Sircilla District Collector Garima Agrawal said that providing proper nutritious food to children regularly will pave the way for their healthy and golden future.
On Tuesday, as part of the 9th Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month), the Collector inaugurated the ‘Mana Anganwadi.. Mana Badhyata’ (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility) program at the Anganwadi center in Thangallapalli mandal headquarters.
Speaking on the occasion, she explained the importance of nutrition month to pregnant women, lactating mothers and parents of children. An exhibition of nutritious food items made from various vegetables, leafy greens, jaggery, sesame seeds and Balamrutham attracted attention.
The Collector instructed that the ‘10 Minutes’ program should be conducted in all Anganwadi centers every Tuesday. She called upon public representatives, officials and the public to become partners in improving Anganwadi services and facilities, distribution of nutritious food, and protection of child rights.
She appealed to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children in the district to make full use of the services of Anganwadi centers. She advised parents to take children under six years to the Anganwadi center every month and get their height and weight recorded, and to pay special attention to their health by providing necessary nutrition according to their growth.
She said that by sending children regularly to Anganwadi centers, they not only get nutritious food but also early education through games, songs and toys. She said that children with severe and moderate malnutrition and low weight are being identified and provided with special nutrition. She directed supervisors and CDPOs to regularly inspect Anganwadi centers under their jurisdiction.
First 1000 Days are Crucial:
The Collector said that the first 1000 days of a child’s life are most crucial. She advised to provide nutritious food to children at home as well and to avoid giving excessive sugary foods. The health and future of children is a joint responsibility of parents, she said.
Medical Services for Children with Growth Deficiencies:
Collector advised to immediately inform the nearest Anganwadi center if growth deficiencies are noticed in children under five years. She said children with hearing, speech, mental development, walking, birth defects, brain-related problems, anemia and malnutrition will be identified and medical examinations will be conducted.
Based on information from Anganwadi staff, children will be shifted through RBSK vehicle to the DEIC center at Vemulawada Area Hospital and necessary medical services will be provided. She said that specialist doctors are available there and in necessary cases, higher medical services will be provided in Hyderabad.
The program was attended by District Welfare Officer Lakshmirajam, District Medical Officer Dr. Angela Alfred, Sarpanch Mora Lakshmirajam, In-charge Tahsildar Murali, MPDO Ramesh, medical and ICDS staff and others.
