When the health of children improves, the generation will prosper: CM Yogi

Highlights:-:

• CM Yogi starts the National Nutrition Month at Lok Bhavan
• A malnourished child is a challenge for the society: CM
• Previous governments are guilty of the death of children due to encephalitis in the last 40 years: CM Yogi

Lucknow. 

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath started the National Nutrition Month at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of child health for the nation's future. In his address, CM Yogi highlighted that improving children's health is crucial for the prosperity of future generations stating that if the health of children improves, the generation will prosper.

He described malnutrition as a significant challenge for society, stressing that building a healthy society and a strong nation requires collective efforts that transcend caste, creed, and religion. “We need to focus on the well-being of every child to ensure India's development by 2047. Realization of the dream of a developed India means happiness on every face,” he said.

During the program, CM Yogi compared the nurturing role of Anganwadi workers and assistants to that of Mother Yashoda, who lovingly raised Lord Krishna in the Dwapar era, urging them to care for children with the same dedication. He highlighted that by educating children aged three to five through simple examples, Anganwadi workers could accelerate their learning.

“This program of National Nutrition Month will further strengthen PM Narendra Modi's campaign for developed India. When the children of our state are well-nourished, India will prosper. If the children of the state develop in terms of health, so will our nation,” he said.

The Chief Minister criticized the opposition for their actions during the global COVID-19 pandemic, noting that some leaders fled abroad or went on vacations. In contrast, he praised the dedication of Uttar Pradesh’s Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and NMs, who played a crucial role in the state’s effective pandemic management. 

Highlighting his government’s achievements, CM Yogi mentioned that in the last seven and a half years, the double-engine government has constructed over 18,000 Anganwadi centers across the state, with plans to complete the remaining ones soon.

Reflecting on the situation before 2017, CM Yogi pointed out that thousands of children aged 1 to 15 used to succumb to encephalitis during this season, with a mortality rate of 60 percent and many survivors left with physical and mental disabilities. He stated that more than 50,000 children had died from encephalitis in the state over four decades, holding previous governments accountable for these tragic losses. 

However, he emphasized that under the current government’s inter-departmental coordination, Uttar Pradesh has successfully eradicated encephalitis, marking a significant achievement in the state’s healthcare management.

To achieve the vision of a well-nourished India, the ongoing Jan Abhiyan led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has significantly reduced malnutrition rates in Uttar Pradesh over the past seven and a half years. 

According to the National Family Health Survey, between 2015-2016 and 2019-2020, the state saw a notable decline in key health indicators: anemia decreased by 5.1 percent, stunting by 6.6 percent, underweight by 7.4 percent, and wasting by 0.6 percent. 

Additionally, the infant mortality rate in Uttar Pradesh has dropped from 61 per thousand to 38, and the maternal mortality rate has decreased from 201 per lakh to 167.

During the program, CM Yogi presented nutritious food and gifts to three pregnant women, Kalpana, Monika, and Khushnuma. He also performed the Annaprashan ceremony for three children, Naitik, Viyansh, and Ayushi. CM Yogi further expressed his affection by applying tilak on the children's foreheads and honored the parents of children who transitioned from malnourished to well-nourished status. 

Additionally, he recognized the contributions of Anganwadi workers and assistants who played a crucial role in this transformation.

Under the Sambhav Abhiyan, 1.9 lakh Anganwadi workers have undergone training, leading to the identification of about 2.5 lakh Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) children in 2023. Of these, the nutrition levels of 63 percent of the children showed improvement.

In 2024, 1.8 lakh SAM children have been identified so far, with 56 percent receiving necessary examination and treatment. Additionally, the efficiency of recording health checkups of pregnant women on the Poshan App has improved significantly, rising from 6 percent to 35 percent by June.

During a recent program, CM Yogi inaugurated 555 Anganwadi buildings across 45 districts, funded with Rs 66 crore. He also launched the 'Bal Bhog' portal (https://uphcm.com/hcm/) related to the Hot Cooked Meal Scheme. 

In a significant move, Rs 8.78 crore in insurance premiums was transferred to the bank accounts of Anganwadi workers, along with Rs 29 crore for the uniforms of Anganwadi workers and assistants.

The event saw the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Minister of State for Women Welfare, Child Development, and Nutrition Baby Rani Maurya, Minister of State for Women Welfare, Child Development and Nutrition Pratibha Shukla, and other dignitaries.