Washim, Gadchiroli to get Mission Poshan 2.0 benefits

Nagpur: The Central government has decided to merge two nutrition-related schemes — supplementary nutrition programme and the Poshan Abhiyan (Nutrition mission) — into Mission Poshan 2.0 and launch it in 112 aspirational districts in the country.
As far as Maharashtra is concerned, Nandurbar (north Maharashtra), Osmanabad (Marathwada), Gadchiroli and Washim (Vidarbha) figure in the list.
The new scheme will focus on the overall health and well-being of the beneficiary and adopt an integrated approach in the delivery of nutrition services.
Officials from Washim, where expecting mothers and newborns are already getting benefits of Mission Poshan, said the situation has improved since the launch of the programme in 2017.
“The number of underweight or stunted children was higher in Washim and Gadchiroli compared to the overall average of the state. Hence, these two districts were selected for the nutrition mission. In the last four year, Washim has shown significant improvement in its nutrition profile,” said Dr Sudhakar Jadhav, civil surgeon of the district.
Nutrition expert Pritish Patil told TOI that the new scheme will have a more comprehensive approach. “It’s time for us to move from mere food security to nutrition. WHO has been repeatedly stressing the importance of clean water, sanitation and clean environment. Hence, the new mission will have an advanced complete health-related approach,” he said.
Ration is given at anganwadi centres under the supplementary nutrition programme. Every beneficiary is given nutritional support for 300 days in a year. The support includes morning snacks, hot cooked meals and take home ration. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the take home ration system continued.
POSHAN 2.0 FOR WASHIM AND GADCHIROLI
* Will nurture health, wellness and immunity of children and pregnant women
* Will eradicate malnutrition from roots
* Focus on overall health and well-being of kids & women
* Will adopt integrated approach in delivery of nutrition services