Covid Pre-emptive Nutritional Intervention Programme for needy children in Yadgir & Raichur districts of Karnataka

On 2nd & 3rd July, covid pre-emptive nutritional intervention programme for MAM (Moderately Acute Malnutrition) children was conducted in Yadgir & Raichur districts of Karnataka. A total of 1500 children have been identified as part of phase one of distribution for whom SaiSure will be distributed for a period of 6 months.

In anticipation of third wave of Covid-19 pandemic, expected to hit about 4 lakh children in the state around the months of September and October, primary focus has been on providing SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition) & MAM children with balanced multi nutrient health supplement called SaiSure so that they are less vulnerable to the attack.

Raichur & Yadgir are identified as one among 100 backward districts in India. These two districts are under the ambit of ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ initiative launched during Jan 2018 by our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Under this initiative, NITI Aayog monitors real-time progress based on 49 indicators from five areas — health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, basic infrastructure, financial inclusion and skill development.
In Yadgir, an event took place at the DC office with the tagline “Our Walk Towards the Welfare of Karnataka”. This has been a collaborative effort of Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, Ramakrishna Seva Ashram, Indian Red cross society & Infosys Samarpan CSR wing joining hands with the Govt of Karnataka. Ramakrishna Seva Ashram has been one of the implementing NGOs for distribution of SaiSure micronutrient supplements. In Yadgir alone, it has been noted that there are around 21,000 MAM & 357 SAM children.

Swami Japanandaji Maharaj of Pavagada RamaKrishna Ashram spoke on the occasion with his motivating words, “Let’s all work together towards making Yadgir district children free of malnutrition & face the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic with fortitude. Therefore, our declaration is ‘Our Walk Towards the Welfare of Karnataka”. He also requested support from district administration and Women & Child Welfare Department.

District Women & Child Development Assistant Director – Shri Prabhakar S Kavitala, District Leprosy prevention officer – Dr.Laxmikant, Indian Red Cross Society Yadgir district in-charge – Dr.Sharan Bhoopal Reddy also participated on the occasion.

In Raichur, an event took place at the city’s IMA auditorium on 3rd July. District commissioner Venkatesh Kumar shared that this district has around 40,000 children identified under malnutrition. Among these, the children below the age of 6 are suffering from malnutrition due to lack of proper food or due to scarcity. This SaiSure balanced multi nutrient health supplement has been provided to children suffering from malnutrition between the age 2 to 6 as a preventive measure in anticipation of the third wave. This would increase resistance power to infections & also would aid in increasing their body weight. He was appreciative of the fact that, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, Ramakrishna Mission, Indian Red cross society & Infosys Samarpan CSR wing have joined hands to help the Government and the society. He also said there is a plan to give SaiSure Health mix to girl children of 14 years as well.

Swami Japanandaji Maharaj of Pavagada RamaKrishna Ashram said, since the last 2 years, a lot of people have been suffering with various health complications due to COVID first & second wave. At a time when our country is advanced scientifically & technologically, it is appalling to notice children still suffering from malnutrition in our society. SaiSure has already been given to around 50,000 children in districts of Tumkur, Ramanagara & Chikkaballapur. It has been observed that within a span of 2 months, the weight of children has been increased. SaiSure is an enabler in making children free of malnutrition & requested everyone to join hands in the mission.

Event was also presided by District Women & Child development Assistant Director – Veeranna Gowda, District Leprosy prevention officer – Surendra Babu, Indian Red Cross Society officer – VijayaKumar Patil Saventagera & officials from Infosys foundation.