POSHAN Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission)

GS 2-Health

Introduction:
POSHAN Abhiyan, launched by the Government of India in March 2018, is a flagship program aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The term “POSHAN” stands for Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition. It is a multi-ministerial initiative aimed at addressing malnutrition through a life-cycle approach.

Objectives

1. Reduce Malnutrition: Address stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight in children and anemia among women and adolescent girls.
2. Behavioral Change: Promote awareness and improve dietary practices through Jan Andolan (People’s Movement).
3. Integrated Approach: Converge efforts from different ministries, such as Health, Women and Child Development, and Education.
4. Technology-Based Monitoring: Use real-time monitoring and technology to track progress and identify gaps.

Targets (by 2022)

1. Reduce stunting in children (0–6 years) from 38.4% to 25%.
2. Reduce anemia among young children, women, and adolescent girls by 3% annually.
3. Reduce underweight prevalence among children by 2% annually.
4. Reduce low birth weight by 2% annually.

Key Components

1. Convergence of Schemes: Align schemes like ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services), National Health Mission (NHM), and others for integrated outcomes.
2. ICT-Based Real-Time Monitoring: Provide smartphones/tablets to Anganwadi workers for efficient tracking of beneficiaries.
3. Community Participation: Emphasize community-level activities and awareness drives to improve health and nutrition practices.
4. Capacity Building: Train frontline workers such as Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, and ANMs to implement the mission effectively.
5. Behavioral Change Communication (BCC): Encourage best practices in nutrition and hygiene through campaigns and education.

Initiatives under POSHAN Abhiyan

1. POSHAN Maah: A dedicated nutrition month observed annually to spread awareness about malnutrition and promote nutrition-related activities.
2. POSHAN Pakhwada: A fortnight-long campaign focusing on specific themes like anemia control, dietary diversity, and hygiene.
3. Anemia Mukt Bharat: A strategy to tackle anemia through supplementation, dietary improvements, and deworming.
4. Growth Monitoring Devices: Provide Anganwadi Centers with tools for measuring children’s growth (e.g., weight scales, height boards).

Funding Mechanism

• Central and State Contribution: Funding is shared between the central and state governments in a 60:40 ratio (90:10 for northeastern and hilly states).
• Budget Allocation: Significant funds are allocated annually to ensure program sustainability.

Achievements

1. Increased awareness about the importance of nutrition.
2. Improved coverage of beneficiaries through digital and real-time monitoring.
3. Strengthened convergence of existing health and nutrition schemes.

Challenges

1. Resource Gaps: Insufficient infrastructure and workforce in rural and remote areas.
2. Behavioral Resistance: Difficulty in changing deep-seated cultural practices and beliefs.
3. Data and Monitoring: Issues with real-time data collection and its interpretation.
4. Coordination Challenges: Ensuring effective convergence between multiple departments.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen implementation at grassroots levels through training and community involvement.
2. Address gaps in funding and infrastructure for better service delivery.
3. Enhance public-private partnerships to scale up interventions.
4. Conduct regular impact assessments to refine strategies and meet targets.