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Special awareness drive to be conducted July 12 to August 12

Chandigarh: July 8, 2023: (Kartika Singh/Arth Parkash):: 

          The Punjab government is going to observe a special awareness month from July 12 to August 12, 2023 to eradicate malnutrition and anemia in the state under Poshan Abhiyan.

          Giving this information Dr Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security Women & Child Development, said that already to battle anemia Anaemia Day is observed every Wednesday at anganwadi centres. It creates awareness among women, adolescent girls, lactating mothers and pregnant women about the ill effects of anaemia. To give a visible thrust to address this issue, a special campaign is being organised from July 12 to August 12 across the state.

          She stated that the campaign shall focus on promoting healthy eating habits, providing nutritional supplements with the convergence of health department, and strengthening the health system's capacity to deliver quality services.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur elaborated that the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development regularly conducts various awareness-raising activities in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) to sensitise people about preventing and treating anaemia.

          Cabinet Minister added that during the campaign, the department shall organise health camps, rallies, and other events in anganwadi centres (AWCs), communities, and mohalla clinics, to educate people about anaemia's symptoms, causes, consequences and importance of timely medical care and goal of this campaign is to reduce anaemia by 2% in the current financial year.

          Dr.  Baljit Kaur explained that anemia is a condition caused by lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, which causes weakness, fatigue and other health problems.  It is a public health concern among children and women, as it affects their physical and cognitive development, leading to poor educational and economic outcomes.

          Apart from this, Social Security Women and Child Development Director Mrs. Madhvi Kataria has written to all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and given a list of suggested activities to be done during the campaign.  The Deputy Commissioner will ensure coordination of all stakeholders including parents, teachers, health workers, and social leaders for the eradication of anaemia.