Around 40 faith-based leaders and their followers, of five faiths, around 12 sects, met on Monday to offer their support to Poshan Abhiyan. The meet was organised by Spandan NGO at Sanchi in partnership with UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh as part their support to create awareness on the Poshan Abhiyan and seek the support of faith based leaders to communicate key messages for benefit of children and women.
Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist UNICEF speaking at the meet said this is fourth of series of meet when in earlier ones faith based leaders have extended their support on the issue of sanitation, and new born care. This time we seek your continuous support to Poshan Abhiyan to help communicate key messages and also be our advocates to help reduce stunting.
He said that your role is important as you reach out to communities and your support on issues like breastfeeding and first thousand days can help make a difference.
Anil Saumitra, Chief Functionary of Spandan NGO shared the objective of the meet and hoped that we will be able to come out with declaration and take this initiative forward. He added you have reach with people and they listen to you, so help us in reaching out with key message of Poshan Abhiyan.
Dr Sameer Pawar, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh made a presentation to the group explaining the reasons on stunting, and its impact on children, explained the importance of first thousand days in life of the child. He gave ten essential interventions which can make an impact and can help reducing stunting and the messages which they can carry forward to people.