Yesterday, a standardized Protocol for Managing Malnutrition in Children was unveiled by Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Smriti Zubin Irani. The launch event, held at Vigyan Bhawan, was graced by Minister of State for WCD and Ayush, Dr Munjapara Mahendrabhai, Secretary of Women and Child Development, Shri Indevar Pandey, as well as representatives from UNICEF, UN Women, WHO, and officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
This collaborative effort between the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, is poised to make significant strides in the management of malnutrition among children. Noteworthy dignitaries and experts from various esteemed organizations, including the Indian Medical Association and the World Bank, were present at the event.
During the launch, exemplary Anganwadi Workers and ASHA workers from different States/UTs, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to managing malnutrition in children, were honored by the Union Minister.
The newly introduced protocol outlines comprehensive steps for identifying and managing malnourished children at the Anganwadi level. These include Growth Monitoring & Screening, Appetite Test for SAM children, Medical Assessment, Decision making regarding level of care, Nutritional Management, Medical Management, Nutrition, Health Education & counseling including WASH practices, Home Visit by AWW, and Referral, Duration of Monitoring, and Follow-up Care.