HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Dec 23: Office of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) has hosted Vibrant Health and Nutrition Mela at Laboc Tea Estate here in the district.
The event was a major initiative under the Rajabazar ICDS Project, in collaboration with Poshan Abhiyaan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and various health teams.
The mela aimed to engage the community in celebrating and advancing health, nutrition, and education for women and children.
It was inaugurated by the district social welfare officer in-charge, Anjali Kumari, who highlighted the crucial role of such initiatives in raising awareness and promoting healthier communities. The mela offered a range of engaging and impactful activities tailored to meet the needs of attendees.
A dedicated T3 camp and a Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) provided essential medical services, while growth monitoring and RBSK screening camps focused on identifying cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and ensuring timely health referrals.
The Mela also featured a Menstrual Hygiene Management Camp, emphasising the importance of menstrual health for adolescent girls. A PMMVY Registration Camp was organised to raise awareness about maternal and child welfare benefits, while the Kishori Sevika Got Camp contributed to the event’s educational dimension. Adding a dynamic touch, a vibrant street play captivated the audience by showcasing themes of nutrition and the empowerment of girls under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign.
A highlight of the mela was the ‘Healthy Child Award’, introduced to encourage families to adopt improved nutritional practices. Awards were distributed across three age categories: 0-6 months, 6 months-3 years, and 3-6 years. This initiative aimed to inspire healthy competition among families while emphasising the critical role of balanced nutrition in child development.
An on-site Anaemia Detection Camp, organised by the MMU Health Team, provided essential diagnostic services. As part of the initiative, five adolescent girls with the highest haemoglobin levels were awarded the prestigious title of ‘Miss Haemoglobin’, celebrating their dedication to maintaining good health.
The Mela also included a recipe demonstration, aimed at encouraging families to embrace healthy and cost-effective cooking practices. Through its diverse activities, the event underscored the critical role of health and nutrition as the foundation of a thriving and prosperous society.
The Health and Nutrition Mela stood as a beacon of hope and awareness, inspiring families with an informed and proactive approach. By addressing critical health and nutritional challenges through engaging and interactive initiatives, the event emphasised the power of collective effort in shaping a brighter, healthier future for all.