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POSHAN MAAH Awareness Drivefor Adolescents and Pregnant and LactatingMothers

Conducted by: Humanitarian Vision Foundation

Collaboration with: Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Chandigarh Administration

Duration: September 2024 (Nutrition Month - POSHAN MAAH)

Target Group: Adolescents and Pregnant and Lactating Mothers

Location: Anganwadi Centers, Chandigarh

 


Executive Summary

In September 2024, as part of the initiative POSHAN MAAH (Nutrition Month), the Humanitarian Vision Foundation joined forces with the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development of the Chandigarh Administration to implement a series of awareness drives. These drives specifically targeted the nutritional and hygiene needs of adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, recognizing the critical role these groups play in the health of future generations.

The program consisted of six informative sessions held at various Anganwadi Centers throughout Chandigarh which included the following locations Bapudham Colony, Manimajra Colony, Indra Colony, Mouli Colony, Maloya Colony . Each session was designed with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of nutrition and hygiene among these essential demographic groups. The structure of the sessions was carefully crafted to empower participants with crucial knowledge regarding balanced diets, the significance of essential nutrients, and the proper hygiene practices that are vital for adolescent, maternal and child health.

During the sessions, participants engaged in dynamic discussions and interactive activities that facilitated deeper understanding and practical application of the concepts presented. Topics such as meal planning were explored, allowing participants to learn how to create nutritious meals within their budget. Safe food handling practices were also emphasised to prevent foodborne illnesses, which can pose significant risks. Additionally, personal hygiene practices were addressed, underscoring their importance in maintaining overall health and preventing infections.

The program fostered a supportive community environment, encouraging participants to share their experiences and insights. This collaboration among peers not only enhanced learning but also built a network of support that participants could rely on in their daily lives.

By addressing both nutritional needs and hygiene practices, these sessions served a dual purpose: they not only heightened awareness about the importance of these topics but also motivated participants to adopt healthier lifestyles. The overall impact of the initiative contributed significantly to improved health outcomes for mothers and their children, paving the way for a healthier future for families in Chandigarh.

Objectives
  • To enhance knowledge about nutritional requirements and healthy practices among adolescents and mothers.

  • To promote awareness of maternal and child health issues.

  • To encourage community support and shared learning regarding nutrition

    and hygiene

  • To bring out an attitude and behaviour change in the audience.

Methodology

Session Structure

The awareness drive consisted of six structured sessions, each lasting two hours. The content of the sessions included:

1. Introduction to Nutrition

  • Overview of essential nutrients.

  • Recommended dietary guidelines for menstruators, pregnant and lactating women.

2. Meal Planning and Healthy Eating

  • Techniques for planning balanced meals.

  • Budget-friendly nutritious meal ideas.

3. Hygiene Practices

  • Importance of personal and food hygiene.

  • Safe food handling techniques.

4. Managing Common Health Issues

  • Nutritional solutions for common health issues.

  • Guidance on when to seek medical help.

5. Mental Well-being and Nutrition

  • The connection between nutrition and mental health.

  • Stress management techniques for mothers.

6. Community Support and Resources

  • Building local support networks.

  • Available health services and resources

Target Audience

The primary beneficiaries were:

  • Adolescents

  • Pregnant women

  • Lactating mothers



Session Highlights
  • Participation: Each session saw active engagement from 50-60 participants promoting a supportive atmosphere for learning.

  • Interactive Activities: Sessions included discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises to ensure participants could apply the knowledge gained. Various activities were conducted which involved preparing healthy recipes that could replace junk food, Games focussing on the myths related to menstruation, etc. Activities involving being an aware consumer were conducted where the participants were asked to understand the nutritional value and ingredients along with the manufacturing and expiry date to create a behaviour change wherein they are able to be more aware as they consume market products.

  • Healthy Snacking: Healthy snacks were distributed to the participants which included Makhanas, Sattu, Lassi, Protein bars and cookies, whole wheat muffins in order to motivate them to switch their diets to healthy snacking.



Outcomes
  • Community Cohesion: The initiative strengthened community ties, encouraging adolescents and mothers to connect and share experiences and advice.

  • Future Interest: Many participants expressed a desire for additional sessions and resources, reflecting the initiative's positive impact.

  • Increased Awareness: The level of participation and questions raised during the sessions showed a significant increase in participants’ understanding of nutrition and hygiene practices.

  • Community Building: The initiative fostered connections among participants, encouraging ongoing support and information sharing.


Conclusion

The POSHAN MAAH awareness drive conducted by the Humanitarian Vision

Foundation in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child

Development was a successful initiative aimed at improving nutritional awareness

among adolescents and pregnant and lactating mothers. The program not only

disseminated vital health information but also fostered community engagement and

support. Beyond the dissemination of health information, the awareness drive

significantly fostered community engagement and support. The interactive nature of

the sessions encouraged participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and

learn from one another. This sense of community is invaluable, as it creates an

environment where individuals feel supported in their health journeys. The network

established among participants can lead to ongoing discussions and shared

resources, helping to sustain the positive impacts of the initiative long after the

sessions have concluded.

However, while the program achieved notable success, continued efforts are essential

to build on this momentum and address emerging health needs. As the landscape of

nutritional challenges evolves—affected by factors such as socioeconomic changes,

lifestyle shifts, and evolving health guidelines—there is a need for ongoing education

and support. Future initiatives could focus on more specialised topics, such as

mental health, family planning, and chronic disease management, further enriching

the knowledge base of the community.

In summary, the POSHAN MAAH awareness drive was a significant step forward in

improving nutritional awareness and fostering a supportive community among

adolescents and mothers. By continuing to prioritise education and engagement,

stakeholders can ensure that the community remains resilient and equipped to tackle

ongoing and emerging health challenges.

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