In collaboration with the governments of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, an NGO has reached out to 25.7 million adolescents, 3 million pregnant and lactating women and 1 million newborns with programmes to improve their nutrition in the last two decades.
The NGO Nutrition International's programme, as part of its global 'Right Start' initiative supported by the government of Canada, have provided improved access to anemia reduction initiatives for adolescents and pregnant women, and ameliorate services at delivery facilities to ensure a healthy start for newborns, a statement said.
Also, children have been reached through infant and young child nutrition services to reduce malnutrition during the first two years of their lives.
Key results of the 'Right Start' initiative in India were presented to government representatives, officials from the health, women and child development and education departments from a number of states, development partners and the media, at a meeting held here recently.
Deputy Commissioner (Adolescent Health), Ministry of Health, Dr Sushma Dureja said, "Malnutrition is an inter-generational issue and needs interventions across all age groups. Nutrition International's work with newborns, adolescents and women is helping us reach our target of reducing anemia in India."
Andrew O Connell, Nutrition International, Regional Director, Asia, said, "Nutrition is not just the basis of good health, it is the foundation for a better future. Working in India for over two decades, we understand the nation's public health challenges thoroughly and have devised multiple interventions to address them."
"Right Start is one such initiative that has improved health and nutrition practices to those who need them the most."