The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah: Emphasizing Complementary Feeding for Infant Health

The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, focuses on improving infant nutrition in India. This year's theme highlights the importance of complementary feeding. The campaign aims to encourage behavioral changes to combat malnutrition, with substantial nationwide participation and numerous activities centered on complementary feeding.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating the 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, dedicated to enhancing nutrition across India with a strong emphasis on complementary feeding.

This year's theme underscores the importance of complementary feeding in ensuring infant health. The month-long initiative is crafted to promote behavioral changes at the grassroots level to tackle malnutrition effectively.

Complementary feeding, essential after six months of age when breast milk alone is insufficient, is crucial. During this transition, there is a heightened risk of undernutrition, making it vital for caregivers to be informed about the correct timing, quality, and frequency of feeding, stated the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

To date, the 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah has seen significant participation nationwide, with over 1.79 crore activities being reported, including more than 20 lakh initiatives focused on complementary feeding, according to the Ministry.

The campaign has reached 756 districts throughout 35 states and union territories, reflecting a widespread commitment to improving the health of infants and young children, the statement added.

(With inputs from agencies.)