Didiyapada (Narmada): The Jan Andolan (mass movement) for Narmada district, envisaged under Poshan Abhiyan, was launched at Didiyapada on Thursday, in the presence of UNICEF Country (India) head Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, Bharuch MP Mansukhbhai Vasava, Narmada Collector R S Ninama, top bureaucrats and other dignitaries.

The fight against malnutrition got the boost as nearly 2,500 stakeholders from forest committees, SHGs, Nigrani Samitis, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and adolescent girls discussed their roles and pledged to bring down undernourishment in Gujarat.

“The community and its leaders should play a lead role in the ‘Jan Andolan’ which has been envisaged under the recently launched Poshan Abhiyaan,” said Dr Haque at the event which was organized by Narmada District Administration in association with UNICEF.

“We will be able to end high prevalence of malnutrition in the state only when all community leaders, led by political leaderships, come together on a common platform. I have already seen a high political and bureaucratic commitment in the state to fight malnutrition,” she added.

A scheme of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) was kick-started by the Prime Minister in March this year.

Calling for adoption of nutrition-sensitive practices to curb malnutrition, UNICEF Gujarat Chief Laxmi Bhawani said: “All stakeholders that include ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, Gram Sanjivani members, Sarpanchs, traditional healers and everyone who has a role in eliminating malnourishment must see that all government health schemes should reach every household. Each one should keep a watch over 10 households and work towards checking under nutrition. This would wipe out malnourishment from homes, villages and finally from district. This model will definitely reduce malnourishment in Narmada district.”

Mansukhbhai Vasava, Bharuch MP, said: “Good health of citizens is the foundation of a strong nation. MPs, MLAs, bureaucrats, district administration, Sarpanch – all have to work together for this Jan Andolan to reduce malnourishment in Narmada.”

Narmada District Collector R S Ninama said: “About 50 per cent children in Narmada district are suffering from under-nutrition. My team and I are committed to pull out Narmada district from the grip of malnourishment.”

Others present at the launch ceremony included Sushama Oza, Director, Adani Foundation, Dr Gaurav Dahiya, Director, National Health Mission and Jincy William, DDO, Narmada district.