Guidance from ARMMAN’s counsellor helps Prathamesh navigate heart condition challenges 

Prathamesh Adinath Dheple, aged one year and four months, resides in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. At the time of registration with Swasth Kadam, Prathamesh weighed 7 kgs.

Prathamesh was born with a congenital heart condition, which initially caused difficulties in digesting milk. Although doctors advised that the heart condition might self-heal with time, they also suggested surgery as a potential solution if the situation worsened. Prathamesh’s susceptibility to illness, particularly in response to weather and temperature changes, often leads to colds and coughs. Ayodhya, Prathamesh’s mother, notes that his voice has never been completely clear.

Initially challenged by Prathamesh’s poor eating habits, Ayodhya sought guidance from Swasth Kadam. Considering his heart condition, the counsellor advised smaller, more frequent meals—3 to 4 times a day. Ayodhya found the counsellor’s recommendations on nutritious foods immensely helpful. As a result, Prathamesh has shown increased interest in eating and has become more active, engaging in age-appropriate activities. His voice has also notably improved, and his frequency of illness has decreased. Ayodhya expresses gratitude for the guidance received, noting her husband’s satisfaction with Prathamesh’s progress under Swasth Kadam’s care.

Swasth Kadam programme provides live telephonic counselling for caregivers of infants aged 6-36 months with moderate malnutrition, with an aim to prevent their decline into severe malnutrition and support their recovery.