WCD launches a toll-free helpline to address nutrition queries
A toll-free helpline was launched today to address queries associated with nutrition and malnutrition, a major area of concern in the country, a Women and Child Development official said. The number 14408 could be used by stakeholders like the workers of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Anganwadis, and even the general public to put queries on nutrition and malnutrition.
Conversations could be made in Hindi, English and Telugu
The helpline number has been launched under the Poshan Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission), that aims to bring down stunting of children of the age group 0-6 years from 38.4 to 25 percent by 2022. The conversations on the helpline could be made in three languages of Hindi, English, and Telugu. Around 100 community radio stations have been assigned to spread awareness about 'Poshan Abhiyan'.
September will be observed as 'Poshan Maah'
The Women and Child Development Ministry will also observe September as the Poshan Maah (nutrition month) during which special focus would be given to eight themes. These themes of the National Nutrition Mission are antenatal care, optimal breastfeeding, complementary feeding, anemia, growth monitoring, hygiene and sanitation, food fortification and girls' education, diet, and marriage at the right age.
12 Ministries to participate in Poshan Maah
The WCD Ministry is trying to reach about 11 crore women and children during the month through various grass-root activities, the official said, adding that a convergence of 12 ministries including WCD, Rural Development, HRD Ministry, and Food Processing would be observed during the month.
