SWASTH KADAM
THE SWASTH KADAM programme provides live telephonic counselling and support for caregivers of children aged 0-36 months who are moderately underweight (a high risk condition), with an aim to prevent their decline to severe forms of malnutrition. The programme seeks to address the need for personalised counseling and guidance for mothers, fathers, and families, helping them enhance their knowledge and adopt healthier behaviors, ultimately improving their child’s nutritional status.
Through the Swasth Kadam programme, we identify Moderately Underweight children using the ‘weight for age’ WHO Growth Chart. Every child is given a risk score calculated on the basis of the socio-economic conditions and the health status. The risk score helps in predicting the chances of a child being at risk of malnourishment.
The caregivers are supported through live telephonic counselling for those whose infants fall in the moderately malnourished category for 8-12 weeks and weekly dissemination of information to families via WhatsApp
for a period of 6 months. Based on their age and risk score, the calls provide guidance on:
- food,
- nutrition, and
- health of children.
Through the Swasth Kadam programme, we identify Moderately Underweight children using the ‘weight for age’ WHO Growth Chart. Every child is given a risk score calculated on the basis of the socio-economic conditions and the health status. The risk score helps in predicting the chances of a child being at risk of malnourishment.
The caregivers of infants who fall in the moderately malnourished category are supported through live telephonic counselling by trained counsellors for 8-12 weeks and weekly dissemination of information to families via WhatsApp for a period of 6 months.
Based on their age and risk score, the calls provide guidance on:
- growth and development of the child,
- nutrition, balanced diet, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and
- best practices in immunization, hygiene and sanitation, childhood infections, maternal health, mental health and family planning.
The programme has also built an effective referral and support system for children in need of enhanced care. Depending on the child’s nutritional status, such cases are referred to:
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)/Primary Health Centres/Urban Health Centres,
- Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers (NRCs) or
- Local private doctors
SWASTH KADAM HAS REACHED CHILDREN AND CAREGIVERS IN EIGHT DISTRICTS OF MAHARASHTRA: CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR, JALNA, MUMBAI, NANDURBAR, NASHIK, PALGHAR, PUNE, & THANE
REACH
IMPACT
tripled their birth weight
after 12 months
(6 - 36 months) declining to
severely underweight
(Randomised Control Trial 2022-23)
(Randomised Controlled Trial 2022-23)
(Randomised Controlled Trial 2022-23)
CASE STORIES
Swasth Kadam Helps Prathamesh navigate Heart Condition Challenges
Mother Ayodhya shares her joy as her 16-month-old son Prathamesh shows healthy weight gain, thanks to guidance from the Nutrition Counsellor.
Swasth Kadam Supports First-Time Mother Suchita in Nurturing Kartika’s Health
With the guidance of nutrition counselors, first-time mother Suchita is making essential dietary changes for her 17-month-old daughter, Kartika, setting her on a path to a healthier future.
Swasth Kadam Helps Prathamesh navigate Heart Condition Challenges
Mother Ayodhya shares her joy as her 16-month-old son Prathamesh shows healthy weight gain, thanks to guidance from the Nutrition Counsellor.
Swasth Kadam Supports First-Time Mother Suchita in Nurturing Kartika’s Health
With the guidance of nutrition counselors, first-time mother Suchita is making essential dietary changes for her 17-month-old daughter, Kartika, setting her on a path to a healthier future.