Question: You are working as an ASHA worker in a rural area. Write a letter to the Secretary of the Health Department outlining the issues of malnutrition observed among women, infants, and girl children in the area, and suggesting preventive measures.

Asha Worker,

Village: Chch. J

City: D

Date:

To,

The Secretary,

Health Department,

Government of Gujarat,

Gandhinagar.

Subject: Problems of malnutrition in rural areas and its solutions

Respected Sir/Madam,

In the ongoing campaign against malnutrition in Gujarat, the “Suposhit Mata Bal Vikas Yojana” has brought new hope, for which I extend my congratulations to the Health Department. According to a recent survey conducted by our team, a decline in the level of malnutrition has been observed, but the rate of this decline is very slow. Therefore, as an aware ASHA worker, I take the liberty to present some problems and their solutions before you.

• Problems related to malnutrition and solutions:

• Corruption in nutrition-related schemes deprives eligible malnourished beneficiaries of their benefits. Therefore, an e-governance mechanism such as a Vidya Review Centre should be established.

• Schemes are being implemented everywhere using a “one size fits all” approach without proper monitoring of malnutrition data. To solve this, a Nutrition Ranking System should be developed, ranking identified schools and areas, and policies should be formulated and implemented accordingly.

• There is a lack of awareness about malnutrition in remote areas. To address this issue, a “Nutrition Fair” should be organized once every month.

• In the Public Distribution System, emphasis should be given to distributing fortified grains enriched with protein and nutrition.

• The food provided under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana should be regularly and properly inspected.

The problems and solutions experienced by me have been listed above, with the hope that they will be useful in the formulation of future plans of the Health Department.

Jai Gujarat, Jai Bharat..!

       Yours,

          A.B.C

ASHA Worker