Millets Take Center Stage In Pune District’s Fight Against Malnourishment
Sumit Singh
Pune, 8th July 2023: The Commissioner of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) in Maharashtra, Rubal Aggarwal, paid a visit to an Aanganwadi Center in Wagholi, Haveli Taluka, Pune district. During her visit, she not only inspected the VCDC Program but also engaged with the Aanganwadi Sevikas who were undergoing training on the Poshan Tracker system, a digital tool provided by the Government of India.
Pune has achieved remarkable progress in addressing malnourishment, currently recording 95 Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) cases and 402 Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) cases. These achievements can be attributed to the rigorous screening processes, systematic interventions, and continuous efforts implemented by the ICDS in collaboration with the Health Department. To comprehensively combat malnourishment, the ICDS in Pune has adopted the MSD Formula – Medical, Surgical, and Dietary interventions.
The Poshan Tracker system, a technology-driven initiative, was introduced during Rubal Aggarwal’s visit. This digital tool aims to enhance the efficiency of data collection, analysis, and reporting, enabling informed decision-making. By leveraging real-time data, the Poshan Tracker system enables targeted interventions, better resource allocation, and continuous monitoring of children’s nutritional status. It empowers frontline workers and policymakers with invaluable insights by tracking and analyzing growth patterns, dietary intake, immunization status, and health records. The Poshan Tracker system ensures prompt identification of at-risk children, facilitating timely interventions and personalized care.
Rubal Aggarwal’s visit to the Aanganwadi Center and the introduction of the Poshan Tracker system reflect the ICDS and Pune Zilla Parishad’s commitment to innovative approaches in combating malnourishment. By combining technology with existing efforts, Pune is well-positioned to make significant progress in addressing malnourishment challenges. The Poshan Tracker system, with its data-driven insights and streamlined monitoring capabilities, is poised to revolutionize the implementation and evaluation of child nutrition programs, leading to improved outcomes for children in need.
During her visit, Rubal Aggarwal also explored an exhibition showcasing food items that could be cooked using millet. Pune Zilla Parishad has incorporated millets into the menu for the Mid-Day Meal in Aanganwadis, following the instructions of the Government of India. Aanganwadi Madatnis and Sevikas prepared delicious food items such as cakes, sheera, and ladoos using millets. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets during its 75th session in March 2021.
Additionally, Rubal Aggarwal distributed Baby Care Kits and premix of milk-horlics to all children in Aanganwadis across the district during her interaction with the Aanganwadi Sevikas. Ayush Prasad, the Chief Executive Officer of Pune Zilha Parishad, and Jamsing Girase, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, were present at the event.
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