Imphal, the 6th September, 2017 (DIPR): The National Nutrition Week (NNW) and One Day State Level Workshop under the theme – “Optimal Infant & Young Child Feeding Practices: Better Child Health” was held today at State Bal Bhavan, Khuman Lampak.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Smt Nemcha Kipgen stresses on the theme and asserted that optimal infant and young child feeding is a key area to improve child survival, healthy growth and development. “Good nutrition during infancy and early childhood allows children to grow, develop, learn, play and most importantly contribute to the society at large,” she added. She further expressed that optimal breast feeding is so critical that it could save the lives of over 82,000 children under the age of five years each year.
The Minister draws the attention of the Anganwadi workers and helpers to deliver information to the lactating mothers efficiently. They should not only disseminate information but must actively support through the Anganwadi Centres to inform and impart the nutrition related information and feeding practice to all the mothers. In this way, the Anganwadi centres would successfully serve the role of an ideal institution.
While delivering a Presidential speech, Social Welfare Director, Smt. Jacintha Lazarus highlighted the importance of nutrition for good health. She also urged the Anganwadi workers and helpers to work hand in hand with the Department so as to avoid any discrepancy when it comes to supplies of nutritious and supplementary food to the beneficiaries.
On this light, Jacintha stated that the department received a report from Imphal West Food Safety Department and Kolkata earlier this month, about the whole batch of supplementary food packets which was stop from further distribution after a claimed of cockroaches inside the food packet was reported. As per the report, the supplementary food items are completely free from any unwanted intoxicants that could harm the beneficiaries. She asserted that right from the Minister to all the concerned officials of the department, everyone takes keen interest in ensuring that all the food products are safe for intake before despatching to the beneficiaries.
The event was jointly organised by Community Food & Nutrition Extension Unit (CFNEUS), Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India and the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur.
The National Nutrition Week (NNW) is an annual nutrition event initiated by Food and Nutrition Board, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. It is observed throughout the country from 1st September to 7th September every year.
The function was also attended by Officer-in-charge (CFNEUS), Ministry of Women & Child Development Shri Apurba Das, Joint Director Social Welfare Smt Surrender A Shishak and Smt Mingthingla as Guests of Honour and concerned officials of the department. (DIPR)
