Policy Brief: Analysis of the seasonal variations in birth in Maharashtra – HMIS 2017-20

This policy brief raises a concern about the persistently low rates of deworming among pregnant women, as reported through the Health Management Information System (HMIS) data. Deworming using a single dose of Albendazole during the pregnancy is an important component of the package of services under the ante-natal-care (ANC). The adverse effects of worm infestation on morbidity, malnutrition and other peri-natal outcomes are well documented. Yet coverage rates for albendazole remain significantly low compared to distribution of IFA and Ca tablets, both multi-dose, and the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) injection. This ‘coverage deficit’ for deworming service amounts to filling a ‘leaking bucket’. The helminths have the last laugh, notwithstanding the high coverage under other ANC components. It is high time that this deficit is eliminated with all seriousness.

The Importance of Correct Breastfeeding Practices: Contribution by CTARA, IITB

Despite significant reductions over the years, India still has high rates of undernutrition among children under five years of age. Large scale studies like NFHS 4 found that the prevalence of wasting was highest between birth and two months of age. This indicates that even with exclusive breastfeeding, there is poor transfer of breastmilk to the infant. This also highlights the importance of interventions that improve the effectiveness of breastfeeding practices and avert growth faltering and aid catch-up growth in first 6 months of life.

Policy Brief: Albendazole- The Step Child of Maternal Healthcare System

This policy brief raises a concern about the persistently low rates of deworming among pregnant women, as reported through the Health Management Information System (HMIS) data. Deworming using a single dose of Albendazole during the pregnancy is an important component of the package of services under the ante-natal-care (ANC). The adverse effects of worm infestation on morbidity, malnutrition and other peri-natal outcomes are well documented. Yet coverage rates for albendazole remain significantly low compared to distribution of IFA and Ca tablets, both multi-dose, and the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) injection. This ‘coverage deficit’ for deworming service amounts to filling a ‘leaking bucket’. The helminths have the last laugh, notwithstanding the high coverage under other ANC components. It is high time that this deficit is eliminated with all seriousness.

कुपोषणावर मात – ‘लगान’ चा धडा

‘लगान’ एक दमदार चित्रपट होता. एकी, फोकस, योग्य कौशल्य व प्रशिक्षण मिळाल्यास एखादा कमकुवत संघ सुद्धा सर्व प्रतिकूल परिस्थितींवर कशी मात करू शकतो हे यातून दिसून आले. याशिवाय, स्वातंत्र्यपूर्व काळातील कथेमधे एकदिवसीय क्रिकेट चा वापर करून प्रेक्षकांशी संवाद साधण्याचं एक आगळं साधन म्हणूनही तो दमदार ठरला. कुपोषणमुक्त भारताची योजना आखण्यासाठी आपण ही या कथानकाचा उपयोग करू शकतो.

Policy Brief: District level analysis of NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 data for Andhra Pradesh

NFHS – 4 provides, for the first time a district level data on nutritional status of children below the age of 5 years. This provides an excellent and timely opportunity to plan for eradication of child malnutrition at the district level. A quick preliminary analysis of the district level child malnutrition levels, reveals certain important aspects. This is presented below.

NFHS-4 data analysis at district level for child malnutrition in Odisha: a policy brief)

NFHS – 4 provides, for the first time a district level data on nutritional status of children below the age of 5 years. This provides an excellent and timely opportunity to plan for eradication of child malnutrition at the district level. A quick preliminary analysis of the district level child malnutrition levels, reveals certain important aspects. This is presented below.

NFHS 4 vis-à-vis NFHS 5: Progress in Maharashtra on key indicators

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is an important source of information on the periodic progress made on several key health indicators. Among other things, the survey tracks nutritional status of mother and child and the quality of antenatal and post-natal services at the state and district level. Recently, the NFHS 5 data (Phase-1) was released for select states and their districts facilitating for the first time a panel data analysis at the district level.

Making India malnutrition free – taking the LAGAAN approach

Lagaan was a path-breaking movie. It showed how an underdog can emerge victorious against all odds given unity, focus and right skills or training. It was also path breaking as a communication tool using a one-day cricket narrative, for a pre-independence era story. We could fruitfully use this narrative to plan for a malnutrition free India