Rashtriya Poshan Maah, celebrated every September, is a month-long initiative under the Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) launched by the Government of India in 2018. The aim of this campaign is to address the issue of malnutrition among children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a healthier and more nourished population.
The word “Poshan” translates to “nutrition” in Hindi, and the campaign emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition for overall health and development. The theme for Rashtriya Poshan Maah typically varies each year, focusing on different aspects of nutrition and health to raise awareness and drive action at the grassroots level.
Throughout the month, various activities are organized across the country to educate and engage the community. These activities include nutrition drives, health check-ups, awareness campaigns, and cooking demonstrations to promote healthy eating habits. Special emphasis is placed on the First 1,000 Days of Life-a critical period for a child’s physical and cognitive development-underscoring the need for adequate nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood.
The initiative involves multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and other government departments, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders. Anganwadi and ASHA workers play a crucial role in disseminating information and providing on-ground support to ensure the success of the campaign.
Key interventions under Poshan Maah include promoting exclusive breastfeeding, encouraging the consumption of locally available nutritious foods, addressing anemia through iron and folic acid supplementation, and improving the coverage of immunization. Poshan Maah not only aims to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition but also strives to build a healthier future by empowering communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed nutritional choices.