Arogya Sakhi helps alleviate Vedant from Severely Acute Malnutrition to a healthy category

Sonal Mukesh Olamba from Sakur village (Palghar) was enrolled in the Arogya Sakhi programme and had received five antenatal care (ANC) visits, by June 9, 2024. She was identified as being at risk due to mild anemia but delivered her baby safely at a rural hospital (RH) on June 24, 2024.

Baby Vedant weighed 2.4 kg at birth, and his length was 45 cm. During the first postnatal visit by Arogya Sakhi Sunita on July 1, 2024, Vedant’s weight was recorded as 2.5 kg. He was classified as Severely Underweight (SUW) and at risk due to being born with low birth weight (LBW).

On July 16, Arogya Sakhi Sunita visited Vedant again and noted that he had developed a cold, cough, and fever. His weight had increased to 3.0 kg, and his length was 52 cm. However, the child was identified as being at risk for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderately Underweight (MUW) category. Sunita referred Vedant to the Primary Health Centre (PHC). She emphasised to Sonal, the importance of newborn care, hygiene, and keeping the baby warm.

The Arogya Sakhi advised Sonal to exclusively breastfeed her baby, while also explaining the importance of a nutritious diet for herself to ensure good quality and quantity of breastmilk. She reassured the mother that with proper care, Vedant would gradually gain weight.

On July 31, 2024, Arogya Sakhi Sunita observed that Vedant’s weight had increased to 3.5 kg, and his length remained 52 cm. He had successfully moved out of the SAM and MUW grades and was now in the normal weight range.

Regular follow-up visits were conducted on August 30, 2024, and September 29, 2024. During these visits, baby Vedant was found to be healthy, with no risks identified.

Arogya Sakhi Sunita continues to monitor baby Vedant through regular follow-up visits.

The Arogya Sakhi Home-based Antenatal and Infancy Care programme trains women leaders (Arogya Sakhis) to provide home-based care, perform diagnostic tests, and screen for high-risk factors to ensure early referral during antenatal and infancy periods in severely underserved communities.