Swabhiman Samiti, in collaboration with Dehat and UNICEF, organized a Gram Swasthya Poshan Mah (Village Health and Nutrition Month) awareness campaign from 1st December 2010 to 28th February 2011 in 5 villages of Khadda block, Kushinagar district. The goal of this campaign was to raise awareness about the health and nutrition of children and women, particularly pregnant women and nursing mothers. The campaign was conducted in close collaboration with the Health Department and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) officials and staff.

  1. Objective of the Program:

The key objectives of the Health and Nutrition Awareness Campaign were:

  • To raise awareness about health and nutrition among children and pregnant women.
  • To ensure that children and mothers receive essential healthcare services, including vaccination, nutrition, and preventive care.
  • To engage the community in promoting health and nutrition, especially in rural areas.
  1. Key Activities Conducted:

To achieve these objectives, the following activities were carried out in the 5 villages of Khadda block:

  1. Survey of Children and Nursing Mothers:
    • A survey was conducted to identify children and pregnant women who required health services, including vaccinations and nutritional supplements.
  2. Village-Level Meetings and Seminars:
    • Meetings were held in the villages to discuss health and nutrition issues, engaging the local community, particularly mothers, in the conversation.
  3. Meetings with Anganwadi Workers and Parents:
    • Anganwadi workers and parents were involved in discussions about improving children’s health and nutrition, encouraging better health practices and childcare routines.
  4. Rally with Children:
    • A rally with children was organized to raise awareness about vaccination and nutrition in a more engaging and visual way for the community.
  5. Slogan Writing:
    • To further spread the message, slogan writing activities were organized in the villages, encouraging children to create and promote slogans related to health and nutrition.
  6. Vaccination Camp:
    • Swabhiman Samiti, along with the Primary Health Centre Khadda and ICDS, organized vaccination camps in the 5 selected villages. These camps were aimed at ensuring that children and pregnant women received necessary immunizations and nutritional supplements.
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  1. Vaccination Camp and Results:

The Vaccination Camp was one of the key activities of the Gram Swasthya Poshan Mah program. The camp focused on immunization and providing vitamin A supplements to children. Here’s the breakdown of the vaccinations and supplements given:

  • Total children vaccinated: 128 children received their vaccinations.
  • Total pregnant women vaccinated: 24 pregnant women received their vaccinations.
  • Vitamin A doses administered: 48 children were given Vitamin A to boost their immunity.

The breakdown of vaccinations in each village was as follows:

  • Ekdangi:
    • 27 children vaccinated.
    • 6 pregnant women vaccinated.
  • Chatur Chapra:
    • 27 children vaccinated.
    • 6 pregnant women vaccinated.
  • Bhedi Jungle:
    • 24 children vaccinated.
    • 4 pregnant women vaccinated.
  • Naugaon:
    • 29 children vaccinated.
    • 5 pregnant women vaccinated.
  • Gadhia Basantpur:
    • 21 children vaccinated.
    • 3 pregnant women vaccinated.
  1. Impact of the Program:

The Gram Swasthya Poshan Mah campaign had significant positive outcomes:

  • Increased Awareness: The community became more aware of the importance of vaccination and nutrition, particularly for children and pregnant women.
  • Improved Immunization Rates: A total of 128 children were vaccinated, ensuring better protection against diseases and improving overall health.
  • Better Nutritional Awareness: The program emphasized the importance of proper nutrition and the role of Vitamin A in child development.
  • Engaged Community: By involving Anganwadi workers, parents, and children in various activities, the campaign helped to strengthen community participation in health and nutrition programs.
  1. Conclusion:

Swabhiman Samiti’s Gram Swasthya Poshan Mah program successfully raised awareness about the health and nutrition of children and pregnant women in Kushinagar district. By organizing vaccination camps, awareness rallies, and educational meetings, the program contributed to improving the health status of the community and empowering mothers and parents to take responsibility for the health and nutrition of their children.

This initiative not only focused on immediate healthcare needs but also fostered a long-term commitment to health and nutrition in the region, laying the foundation for sustainable improvements in the health sector.