Poshan Maah, also known as National Nutrition Month, is an annual nutrition-focused observance in India. It is a month-long campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of proper nutrition, especially among women, children, and adolescents. The term “Poshan” means nutrition in Hindi, and “Maah” means month.
POSHAN Abhiyaan is an initiative to ensure no child goes to bed hungry, no mother bears the burden of undernourishment, and the chains of preventable diseases shackle no family.
Launched under the leadership of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, POSHAN (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) Abhiyaan is a resolute mission-mode initiative, targeting the bane of malnutrition head-on.
These are the areas that POSHAN ABHIYAN is trying to work on
1. Addressing Malnutrition
Malnutrition remains a pressing health concern in India, affecting millions of children and pregnant women. It contributes to stunted growth, developmental delays, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Malnutrition during early childhood can have lasting consequences, affecting the physical and cognitive development of a child. This can limit their educational attainment and future earning potential. Poshan Maah focuses on raising awareness about this critical problem and implementing measures to combat it.
2. Focusing on Early Nutrition
Proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life (from conception to age two) is crucial. It forms the foundation for their overall health and well-being. Early nutrition plays a pivotal role in brain development, influencing a child’s ability to learn, solve problems, and think critically.
Poshan Maah aims to ensure that children receive proper nutrition, setting the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future.
3. Women Health and Empowerment
Poshan Maah recognizes that the health and nutrition of expectant and nursing mothers are intertwined with the well-being of their children. The campaign also places a strong emphasis on the nutrition and well-being of pregnant and lactating mothers. By supporting women’s health, Poshan Maah empowers them to lead healthier lives and nurture their families effectively.
4. Community Involvement
Poshan Maah involves communities at the grassroots level. Local leaders, volunteers, and healthcare workers actively participate in spreading awareness about the importance of balanced diets and good nutrition practices. Tailored interventions that respect local customs and traditions ensure that nutrition programs are culturally relevant and more likely to be embraced by communities.
5. Holistic Approach
Poshan Maah encompasses a range of initiatives, from health screenings and nutrition camps to community education programs. This comprehensive approach ensures that various aspects of nutrition and health are addressed simultaneously.
The campaign encourages collaboration between sectors like health, education, and agriculture to create a holistic ecosystem for nutrition.
6. Education and Advocacy
Poshan Maah utilizes schools as a platform for educating children about nutrition. This not only promotes healthy eating habits among students but also empowers them to advocate for change within their communities.
The campaign fosters a culture of awareness and advocacy around nutrition, encouraging individuals and communities to demand better access to nutritious food and healthcare services.
7. Government Commitment
Poshan Maah reflects the government’s commitment to addressing malnutrition as a national priority. It signifies a coordinated effort to improve the health and well-being of India’s population.
The Evolution of Poshan Maah
And now, as we step into the future with Mission Poshan 2.0 (Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0), we’re not just continuing the fight; we are evolving it. The government has integrated its efforts into a robust nutrition support program designed to amplify nutritional content, enhance delivery mechanisms, expand outreach, and improve outcomes.
During the 15th Financial Commission period, the forces of Poshan Abhiyaan, the Anganwadi Services Scheme, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls under the banner of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 were brought together. This integration breathes new life into our pursuit, bolstering our approach to health, wellness, and immunity against diseases and malnutrition.
POSHAN Abhiyaan is a promise to make India malnutrition-free. To fulfill this promise, the month of September every year is dedicated to POSHAN Maah, a nationwide celebration aimed at galvanizing communities.
The main objective is clear- mobilize communities, rally people, and combat malnutrition among children and women, ensuring health and nutrition for all.
Poshan Maah 2023
Poshan Maah 2023 is the next stride. It’s a comprehensive life-cycle approach, and at its heart lies the theme- “Suposhit Bharat, Sakshar Bharat, Sashakt Bharat” (Nutrition-rich India, Educated India, Empowered India).
This month will be a whirlwind of activities, all focused on enhancing nutritional awareness. From Exclusive Breastfeeding to Complementary Feeding, all campaigns will touch every life stage, from pregnancy to adolescence. Healthy Child Competitions will spark friendly rivalries to promote nutrition and well-being.
And that’s not all. The month will be bridging the gap between Nutrition and Education with “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” (Nutrition and Education), advocating for a healthier lifestyle through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), sensitizing tribal communities to nutrition, and addressing anemia head-on through “Test, Treat, Talk.”
Throughout the month, everyone concerned with the nutritional health of the nation will reach villages, blocks, and districts through outreach programs, identification drives, camps, and home visits.
By focusing on the nutrition of children and women, Poshan Maah 2023 aims to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. It’s about community involvement, Gram Panchayats, and Urban Local Bodies coming together to turn the vision of a Suposhit Bharat (Nutrition-rich India) into a reality during this Amrit Kaal (Golden Period). Improved nutrition can lead to better health outcomes and enhanced livelihood opportunities.
By prioritizing nutrition and health, this campaign has the potential to create a healthier, more prosperous, and brighter future for the nation.
