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.
Publications
Access to antenatal care and its influence on children’s cognitive development
Authors: Neha Adsul, Sarthak Gaurav, Priya Rampal Abstract: Research has shown that maternal health affects later-life outcomes of children. Using data from the Young Lives survey in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, this article shows that antenatal care has an impact on the cognitive scores of children during mid-childhood, with scores Read More …
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.
Breastfeeding 45 Counselling Points and Cross-cradle Hold
Effective counselling-Effective breastfeeding
Breastfeeding 45 counselling points and cross cradle hold explained in step-wise manner.
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Seasonal Variations in Childbirth – A Perspective from the HMIS Database (2017–20)
Nambiar, A., Choudhury, D. R., & Agnihotri, S. B. (2022).
The analysis of seasonal variations in births in India, using the Health Management Information System data for three pre-pandemic years, reveals a distinct trend of peaking of births during the August–October window and dips during February–March. This trend attenuates as we move from the north-western regions towards the south-eastern regions. These findings will help scholars, policymakers, and the health system to prioritise the delivery of maternal and child services.
Spatial dependency in child malnutrition across 640 districts in India: need for context-specific planning and interventions
Vennam, T. R., Agnihotri, S. B., & Chinnasamy, P. (2022).
Child malnutrition remains a matter of concern in India as the current levels are high and the decline is slow. National Family Health Survey (NFHS–4, 2015-16) data, for the first time, provides credible, good quality data at district level on social, household and health characteristics.
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.
Transformation in culinary behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic: In-depth interviews with food gatekeepers in urban India.
Menon, L., Choudhury, D.R., Ronto, R., Sengupta, R., Kansal, S., & Rathi, N. (2022).
The present qualitative study provides first-hand information about the factors influencing dietary modifications and changes in culinary behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in urban India. The study included 34 female household food gatekeepers from Mumbai, India. Template Analysis Technique was used to generate themes and sub-themes from the interview data.
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.