https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Varanasi’s Remarkable Turnaround in Malnutrition with Its 10 Point-Kashi Strategy

‘10-Point-Kashi Strategy’ has successfully reduced the prevalence of Severe Acute Malnutrition among children aged 0-6 in Varanasi The SAM numbers have witnessed a remarkable decline, from 13.66% to now 0.61% These strategies targeted nutritional shortcomings, newborn care, and exclusive breastfeeding, leading to positive outcomes
Indian Masterminds Stories

To eradicate malnutrition in the cultural city of Varanasi, the district administration has implemented a comprehensive ‘10 Point-Kashi Strategy’. The strategy, spearheaded by IAS officer Himanshu Nagpal, Chief Development Officer of Varanasi, has not only addressed the city’s cultural and infrastructural aspects but has also fervently tackled the critical issue of malnutrition, particularly Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) among children.

Speaking to Indian Masterminds, Mr. Nagpal shared about the strategies.

DECLINE IN SAM NUMBERS

During the 2019 survey of the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), Varanasi faced a daunting challenge with a 13.66% prevalence of SAM among children aged 0-6. This alarming statistic translated to approximately one in every seven children in the district falling into the SAM category.

“However, with a determined focus on targeted interventions and a multifaceted approach, the SAM numbers have witnessed a remarkable decline, reaching 0.61%,” Mr. Nagpal informed.

POSHAN TRACKER

The 10 Point-Kashi Strategy commenced with the enhancement of tracking and measurement accuracy. Through intensive training exercises and mid-month reviews, an impressive 99.89% accuracy in measuring 0-6 age kids on the POSHAN Tracker has been achieved, ensuring precise identification of malnourished children.

ABHINAV PEHEL

Further, to address nutritional shortcomings, the ‘Abhinav Pehel’ program was launched, offering a combined dosage of multivitamin syrup, Iron Folic Syrup, and Albendazole Syrup to pregnant mothers and young children.

“Initially, the program was piloted in one block that witnessed a recovery rate of 94%. This lead to its replication across all blocks and the city region of the district,” the officer mentioned.

Recognizing the importance of a balanced diet, 2700 Nutritional Gardens were established, providing fruits and vegetables like Spinach, Cauliflower, and Moringa to lactating mothers, enhancing their nutritional status.

MNCUs

The focus on newborns included the creation of 10 Air-conditioned Mother and Newborn Care Units (MNCUs), along with Kangaroo Care, ensuring that new deliveries are normalized to healthy weights. Intensive campaigns targeting exclusive breastfeeding, with the involvement of elder females and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), resulted in a significant 30% increase in exclusive breastfeeding numbers for infants aged 0-6 months.

Acknowledging the limitations of District Level Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs), the administration introduced 13 Decentralized Mini NRCs at Community Health Centers (CHCs) which became a game-changer, increasing the monthly treatment capacity from 15 to 100 kids.

Mr. Nagpal further informed that aligning with the International Year of Millets, they have distributed Millet Bars and Ragi ladoos to SAM and MAM kids, benefiting 65,000 children monthly and improving attendance and retention at Anganwadi Centres.

TAKE HOME RATION

The convergence of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) department and SHGs resulted in the establishment of six Take Home Ration (THR) Plants, providing employment to over 300 females and producing fortified Pre-Mix Ladoos and Dalia for lactating mothers and children.

BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE

The strategy also incorporated behavioural change exercises, with Healthy Kids ‘Certificates for mothers of 3 lakh healthy kids and ‘Buddy Mothers’ assisting mothers of 15,000 SAM kids.

“We are regularly tracking the kids through a Dedicated Control Room which ensures continuous improvement. This has led to a significant reduction in SAM numbers from 13.7% in 2020 to 0.6%,” Mr. Nagpal said.

This success story is a result of the relentless efforts and dedication of 3914 Aanganwadi Workers, Sahayiks, supervisions, and CDPOs who worked day and night to tackle malnutrition in Varanasi, paving the way for a healthier and brighter future for every child in the city. The positive impact is not only visible in the reduction of malnutrition but also in the enhanced learning levels among the children of Varanasi.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
mohan yadav
Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav Personally Visits Sailana Fields, Comforts Farmers Affected by Crop Damage
Manoj-Yadava ips
Who Is Manoj Yadava? Former Haryana DGP and Ex-RPF Chief Appointed Director General of HIPA Gurugram
Supreme Court resized
SC Collegium Recommends Three Judges for Chief Justice Posts in Patna, Meghalaya, and Manipur High Courts
Combined Commanders' Conference 2025 PM Modi
Buzz Builds Ahead of Combined Commanders' Conference 2025: PM Modi May Announce Major Defence Reforms
India launches capacity building programme
India Launches Special Capacity Building Programme for Mid-Career Civil Servants of Mauritius
supreme-court-4
Supreme Court Upholds FIR Registration Against Former CBI Joint Director Neeraj Kumar in 2000 Misconduct Case
Paramita Tripathi
IFS Paramita Tripathi Appointed India’s New Ambassador to Kuwait Amid Strengthening Bilateral Ties
coal-India-limited-scaled
Coal India Raises Ex-Gratia to ₹25 Lakh, Launches Uniform Policy and ₹1 Cr Insurance for Workers from Sept 17
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IPS Shikha Goel
How Modern Forensics Helps Police Solve Crimes – IPS Officer Shikha Goel Explains | Video Interview
IPS Shikha Goel
Decoding Digital Dangers: Insights from IPS Shikha Goel on Cyber Crimes
IPS Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo
Managing Elections, Communal Tensions, and Public Safety – Meet IPS Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Ishwarlal Gurjar UPSC
10th Grade Failure to Indian Police Service: Ishwarlal Gurjar’s UPSC Success Path
Read the inspiring journey of Ishwarlal Gurjar from a small village in Rajasthan to becoming an IPS officer....
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
Social Media
IAS Medha Roopam
IAS Medha Roopam’s Inspiring Dedication in Flood-Hit Noida Goes Viral: Focuses on Relief, Education Amid Heavy Rains
Books in One Hand, Umbrella in Other: Noida DM Medha Roopam Leads Flood Relief from the Front
IAS Sakshi Sawhney Amritsar DC
Punjab Floods: IAS Sakshi Sawhney’s Emotional Appeal to Elderly Man Wins Hearts, Video of Humanity Goes Viral
Viral Video Captures Emotional Moment as Amritsar DC Shows Sensitivity and Courage Amid Relief Effor...
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
mohan yadav
Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav Personally Visits Sailana Fields, Comforts Farmers Affected by Crop Damage
Manoj-Yadava ips
Who Is Manoj Yadava? Former Haryana DGP and Ex-RPF Chief Appointed Director General of HIPA Gurugram
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IPS Shikha Goel
IPS Shikha Goel
IPS Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT