Women and Child Development Union Minister, Smriti Irani has launched a protocol for the identification and management of malnutrition in children.

According to the protocol Severe Acute Malnourished children without medical complications will be treated at the anganwadi centres instead of nutrition rehabilitation centre.

The SAM children with medical complications presence of bilateral pitting oedema and/or failed appetite test will be enrolled at the NRC.

WCD Secretary Indevar Pandey said, “One of the most important areas to look at is limiting malnutrition among adolescent girls.’’ 

Protocols have also put in place a system of “Buddy mothers”.

“We have tried this in Assam where it has been successful,” he said.

The buddy mother is a unique approach which involves pairing mothers of healthy children with mothers of malnourished children at Anganwadi centers.

The experienced mothers guide and support those grappling with the challenges of nourishing their children back to health.

This peer-to-peer support system adds a layer of emotional and practical assistance, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.