Providing nutrient-rich food alone is not sufficient to improve health of pregnant women, suggests a study released by UNICEF here on Tuesday.
The study, supported by governments of Telangana and AP with assistance from UNICEF, was carried out earlier this year. The report was by released by Telangana Chief Secretary S.P. Singh during the inaugural of a two-day consultation programme that aims to develop an action plan for maternal nutrition in India.
While stating the prevalence of maternal stunting is eight %, wasting 15-22 % and severe wasting at 4-12 % in the Telugu states, the study showed that non-food components of Telangana’s welfare maternal health programme, Aarogya Lakshmi, were not functioning as well as the food-driven components. “Non-food component, particularly on-the-spot micronutrient consumption and family planning counselling, are functioning sub-optimally at the ground level and urgent, relevant and perseverant efforts are necessary to ensure efficient convergence with the health system. On-the-spot iron folic acid pill consumption was poor,” the report said.
The report also recommended including malaria and flourosis prevention in the programme.
Speaking at the gathering, UNICEF nutrition specialist Vani Sethi said discussions about nutrition post-pregnancy are equally essential. According to Dr. Sethi 1000 days, 270 days of pregnancy and 730 days after, is the ‘make or break’ time for intervention. The governments’ have largely focused on children.
Chief Secretary S.P. Singh talked of State’s focus on maternal nutrition by stating that 85 % of the ₹ 850 crore allocated for nutrition in the State’s budget, is for Aarogya Lakshmi scheme.
