What if the promotion of a balanced diet is done at a place where both pregnant and lactating women can be brought together – their Anganwadi? A large number of women are unaware of the right kind of nutrition during their pregnancy or post-pregnancy, there is an opportunity to reach large number of women with education about nutrition.

Reaching out to pregnant women is mostly through Hospitals and clinics, which happens only when there is a complication in delivery, or post-delivery mother or child is critical and needs support which in most cases is not very successful. Under SDG, India aims to bring the maternal mortality ratio between 70 per 1 Lakh live births by the year 2030. The objective is high but can be achievable if proper awareness and benefits reach the community, especially women.

In the heart of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, Caritas India’s Saksham program is making significant strides in bridging the nutrition education gap among pregnant women. By leveraging Anganwadi centers, the program not only promotes balanced diets but also aligns these women with crucial government schemes, aiming to reduce maternal mortality and enhance community health.

One of the key strategies of the Saksham program is to use Anganwadi centers as hubs for promoting balanced diets among pregnant and lactating women. These centers, traditionally focused on child care and maternal health, provide an ideal setting for nutritional education. By organizing meetings and training sessions at these centers, the program effectively reaches a large number of women, educating them on the importance of a healthy diet during and after pregnancy.

Reaching pregnant women typically happens through hospitals and clinics, often when complications arise. This reactive approach has limited success. The Saksham program, however, adopts a proactive strategy. By conducting door-to-door visits and engaging directly with the community, the program ensures that women receive timely information and support. Aligning these efforts with government schemes like those offered at Anganwadi centers enhances the impact, ensuring comprehensive care for both mothers and their children.

A notable example of this initiative is the baby shower events organized by the Saksham program. In May 2024, two such events were held in Mana Nagla and Junsuty, where pregnant women were educated on balanced diets and received baskets of nutritional items. These events were more than just celebrations; they were platforms for imparting crucial dietary knowledge.

Mrs. Radhika, a participant from Mana Nagla, shared her experience: “We were educated about balanced diets and how they help both mother and child. Each of us received a basket of gifts, which included nutritional items. Since then, we have been taking our meals as per the suggested schedule and are happy with the regular check-ups.”

These sentiments were echoed by participants from Junsuty, highlighting the program’s impact on their daily lives. Regular interactions with Saksham Animators, like Mrs. Nagina, ensure that the women stay informed and motivated to follow the dietary guidelines provided.
India’s commitment to reducing the maternal mortality ratio to 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) sets a high, yet achievable, target. Programs like Saksham play a crucial role in this effort by ensuring that awareness and benefits reach the community, particularly women.

The scaling-up nutrition movement under the Saksham program focuses on improving the health of pregnant women and children, thus contributing significantly to the SDG pledge. By sensitizing more pregnant women to government schemes and enhancing their knowledge of balanced diets, the program creates a ripple effect of health benefits in the community.

The Saksham program’s focus extends beyond immediate nutritional needs. It emphasizes community empowerment, food and nutrition security, livelihood security, and the protection of developmental rights. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits are sustainable and far-reaching. By linking pregnant women with government schemes through Anganwadi centers, the program addresses multiple aspects of health and well-being.

Caritas India’s Saksham program exemplifies how targeted, community-based interventions can complement government efforts in achieving development goals. By fostering awareness, providing essential resources, and ensuring continuous support, the program empowers pregnant women to make informed dietary choices, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for both mothers and their children.