National Poshan Maah Kicks Off in Eluru and West Godavari to Promote Child and Maternal Health

A month-long nutrition drive under the National Poshan Maah (Poshana Masotsavalu) began on September 9 across Eluru and West Godavari districts and will continue until October 8. Organized through local Anganwadi centres, the campaign aims to tackle malnutrition and raise widespread awareness about healthy eating habits among rural and semi-urban communities, focusing primarily on pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children.

As part of the daily activities, Anganwadi workers are demonstrating practical ways to prepare healthy, millet-based snacks-such as murukulu and jowar (jonna) cakes-using low-cost, locally available grains. The campaign places a spotlight on the critical "first 1,000 days of life," which spans from conception through a child's second birthday. Health workers are educating families on how proper maternal diet and early childhood feeding during this window prevent stunting, anemia, and developmental delays.

The month-long drive also marks 10 years of the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a financial assistance program for expectant and lactating mothers. Officials from the Women and Child Welfare Department are utilizing this period to actively enroll unregistered pregnant women across all mandals, ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives their statutory financial aid and nutrition support without administrative delays.