Nutrition package spreading awareness on maternal health

By Jibachh Yadav, Lahan, Jan 8: In Lahan Municipality, the nutrition package, distributed on the 22nd of every month for several years, has started showing a strong impact. The programme aims to improve the health of pregnant and postpartum women and to ensure the birth of healthy babies.

Bindeshwar Chaudhary, head of Lahan Municipal Health Section, said the programme began under Mayor Mahesh Prasad Chaudhary, who previously served as the municipal health coordinator. Initially, families and communities saw it as a promotional initiative, but over time, pregnant and postpartum women started showing genuine interest.

“Women who initially showed little interest have now actively participated and become more aware,” he said. “Female community volunteers play a vital role in making this program effective.”

Mayor Chaudhary personally supervises the monthly distribution of nutrition packages across all 24 wards of Lahan. Each package contains 10 kilograms of rice, 1 kilogram of lentils, 2 kilograms of roasted grains, 1 litre of cooking oil, and 1 kilogram of salt. The program bridges pregnant women to essential maternal health services such as regular check-ups, iron supplementation, and monitoring fetal development at nearby health posts, Chaudhary said.

Since taking office, Mayor Chaudhary has continued the program and has already distributed packages to over 2,000 pregnant and postpartum women. Chaudhary also distributed packages to 105 women in Ward No. 23, situated in southern Lahan on 6th January, respectively. “We plan to expand the free cervical cancer screening programme, launched last year, to all 24 wards of Lahan Municipality,” he stated.

Women who received the nutrition packages said the programme has significantly benefited and positively influenced them. Senior female health officer Rita Yadav presented that pregnant and postpartum women no longer visit health posts only; they have also started seeking maternal health advice through mobile phones.