Grandmas are new behaviour agents of change in Dantewada in Chhattisgarh to promote health and nutrition. An innovative campaign “Bapi Na Uwaat”, led by the district administration and UNICEF, was launched on Thursday in Dantewada.
Launching it, district Collector Deepak Soni said: “People will benefit from the wisdom and knowledge of our elderly women and dadis. BAPI Initiative connects Dantewada's rich culture and traditions to promote health and nutrition.
"It will strengthen 'Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan' to end malnutrition and anemia in the district."
Job Zachariah, Chief of UNICEF in Chhattisgarh, said: “Bapi initiative could emerge as an innovative model for social and behaviour change at village level with the support of grandmas. This could be replicated across the country.
"It is the first time a cadre of village level influencers and communicators is created. Another salient feature of the programme is that it uses local dialects like Halbi and Gondi to communicate with people."
Zachariah added that Bapi initiative aims to promote 10 key behaviours related to health and nutrition. This would increase the demand for government services leading to reduction in malnutrition, anemia and child deaths in the district.
Under the program, there will be one grandma in each village who will meet people, listen and talk to them about healthy behaviour. They will be supported by volunteers of Mahila Shakti Kendra.
More than 100 grandmothers attended the event.