India has embarked on a renewed mission to combat malnutrition with the launch of the seventh edition of Poshan Pakhwada, which will run from April 8 to April 23, 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aligns with the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s Saksham Anganwadi scheme. This year’s campaign is centered around the theme “Shuddh Jal aur Swachhta Se Swasth Bachpan,” emphasizing the indispensable role of clean water and sanitation in ensuring a healthy and nourished childhood. The tagline “Purn Poshan Ki Shuruwaat, Shuddh Jal aur Swachhta Ke Saath” reinforces the campaign’s focus on fundamental necessities for holistic health and nutrition.
The campaign brings together extensive community-level activities and awareness sessions across States and Union Territories. These efforts are designed to instill behavior changes at the individual, family, and community levels, addressing malnutrition through four strategic focus areas: attention to the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, promotion of the Beneficiary Module in the Poshan Tracker App, effective management of malnutrition via the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) module, and encouragement of healthy lifestyles to combat childhood obesity.
Among the planned activities is the Shuddh Jal and Swachhta Drive, which will engage communities in discussions about safe drinking water, sanitation practices, hand hygiene, composting, and waste management. Capacity-building sessions for Anganwadi workers will empower them with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively counsel mothers on the importance of clean water and sanitation. Awareness generation activities will specifically target lactating mothers, with Anganwadi and ASHA workers disseminating information about safe drinking water and hygiene practices.
A highlight of the campaign is the introduction of the Smart Poshan Anganwadi Certification program, which aims to recognize Anganwadi Centers that maintain exceptional standards of hygiene and nutrition. Additionally, the Swachh Jal, Sundar Aangan initiative seeks to upgrade sanitation facilities at Anganwadi Centers, with active participation from Self-Help Groups and community members. This initiative also incorporates creative elements such as murals and child-friendly water stations, promoting a welcoming and educational environment for children.
The campaign will leverage social media platforms to expand its outreach, utilizing hashtags such as #DDWSJoinsPoshanPakhwada and #PoshanPakhwada to engage a wider audience and amplify its impact. Through these combined efforts, Poshan Pakhwada aims to create enduring awareness and inspire substantial behavioral changes in rural communities.
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation’s collaboration with flagship programs like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen underscores the integration of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives into the campaign. These partnerships aim to strengthen the foundation for improved health, sanitation, and nutrition for every child in India.
This year’s Poshan Pakhwada promises to be a transformative step in India’s battle against malnutrition, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future for the nation’s children.
