DODA, Aug 13: A joint programme on National Deworming Day (NDD) and Village Health, and Nutrition Day (VHND) was organized at Anganwadi Centre (AWC) Ghat-A through the collaborative efforts of the Health Department and Poshan (ICDS) Department, Doda, on Thursday.
The programme was graced by Akhtar Hussain Qazi, Programme Officer, Poshan Mission (ICDS), Doda, along with BMO Ghat Dr. Abdul Gafoor, CDPO Doda Fehmida Anjum, Shafia Naz, Supervisor ICDS, and Mashhood Latif, BM&EO Ghat.
On the occasion, Albendazole tablets were administered to eligible beneficiaries by the Programme Officer ICDS, BMO Ghat and other dignitaries as part of the National Deworming Day campaign aimed at improving the health and nutritional status of children.
A dedicated Health Team from Ghat comprising Dr Sarwar Khan, Dr. Touseef Aslam, Dr. Nusrat Mumtaz and Ashok Shan (MMPHW) actively participated in the programme.
They were joined by Bimla Rukhwal (BAC), Reeta Devi (AF), staff of PHC Ghat and AWW Iqra Batool, who conducted health screening of beneficiaries, including assessment of the health and nutritional status of children and lactating mothers. Weight monitoring and basic health check-ups were also carried out during the session.
The programme also featured awareness sessions on Antenatal Care (ANC), institutional delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, child nutrition, immunization and various maternal and child health programmes, besides the meal prepared for the beneficiaries was also checked jointly by the PO ICDS and BMO Ghat.
Speaking on the occasion, Programme Officer Poshan Mission, Akhtar Hussain Qazi highlighted the importance of convergence between the Health and ICDS departments for improving maternal and child health indicators. He emphasized that regular VHND sessions and nutrition-related interventions play a key role in ensuring better health outcomes for women and children.
Addressing the gathering, BMO Ghat Dr. Abdul Gafoor stressed the importance of deworming, timely immunization, proper nutrition and regular health check-ups for children and mothers. He urged the community to actively participate in health and nutrition programmes to ensure a healthy and disease-free society.
The programme concluded with a pledge by all stakeholders to continue coordinated efforts for strengthening health and nutrition services in the district.