“Arogya”

Period:  July 2022 to March 2025

Geographical Area: Navsari and Dang districts, Gujarat

Ten villages of Vansada block – Chondha, Kandha, Molaamba,Unai, Moti Valzar, Limzar, Ghodmal, Anklach, Pipalkhed and Khanpur.

Six villages of Ahwa block – Borkhal, Tembrungartha, Tanklipada, Vihiramba, Gaikhasan and Umarpada.

What are the problems faced and gaps in the health and nutrition status of the focus areas?

In Gujarat, the prevalence of anaemia among children aged 6-59 months is 79.7%, which is higher than the national average of 67.1%. This trend is also observed in the Dang and Navsari districts, where the prevalence of anaemia is 82.4% and 75.3%, respectively (according to NFHS 5 data).

The adolescent group has the highest prevalence of anaemia, with 77% of adolescent girls in The Dang and 72% in Navsari being anaemic, which is unacceptable. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on adolescents, especially females, to break the life cycle of malnutrition.

The data from NFHS 5 and the situation analysis conducted by CHETNA in 16 villages of Ahwa and Vansada blocks indicates the need for intervention to improve the health and nutrition status of women, children, and adolescents.

Key Objectives to fill the gaps

• To improve nutritional status of women, children and adolescents of the intervention villages.
• To improve access to maternal, child and adolescent health and nutrition services.

Prior to implementation of the programme children below the age of five years were screened to know their nutritional status (Weight for Age)

 Activities & actions taken

• Mass health and nutrition Awareness at community level
• Group awareness programme with women and adolescents for example, Saas Bahu Samelan, Adolescent Mela, etc.
• Sensitisation programme for Sarpanch (elected members)
• Individual counselling of parents of underweight children and adolescents
• Training of ASHA, Anganwadi Workers and ANMs on health education and counselling

Expected outcomes

• Increase in nutritional status of children below five years by and adolescent girls and women
• Increase in 4 ANC
• Increase in early registration of pregnant women
• Increase in breast feeding practice and complementary feeding
• Increase in practice related to personal hygiene
• Ensure regularized immunization, vaccination activities
• Increase in accessing government scheme related to maternal, child and adolescent health

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