Visakhapatnam: Junior Chamber International launches campaign to tackle malnutrition in schools

Visakhapatnam: As malnutrition continues to plague a large number of children and mothers, Junior Chamber International (JCI) – Visakha Valley decided to tread a campaign path to improve diets, make better food choices and ensure healthy eating an integral part of life among school-going children.

Focusing largely on the importance of consuming home-cooked food comprising high nutritional value, the organisation, intends to reach out to students across the State through its 'health orientation programme for everyone' (HOPE).

The first step towards this has already commenced in Visakhapatnam with the team covering 70 students at GVMC High School, Dandu Bazaar. "We have adopted this institution and another municipal school at Madhuranagar. The sensitisation about making better food choices is not confined to students alone. Expectant and lactating mothers in rural areas are also included," explained Sindhura Thadi, president of JCI-Visakha Valley.

In a junk-food driven world where it is easy to settle for a desirable pack of chips or a daily dose of soft drink or other unhealthy stuff, Sindhura laid emphasis on looking at the larger picture to address the malnutrition issue. "Creating awareness about eating right at a young age is the key," she shared.

Elaborating further on the programme, holistic health counsellor and trainer, who is part of the campaign, Sangeeta Muddapu said, "Diet charts along with daily tracking charts will be provided to keep a tab on where do children and mothers stand in terms of consuming a balanced diet."

The endeavour also includes educating adolescent girls and expectant mothers in rural areas. "Evaluation of the health condition will be conducted once in three months so that revised diet plan can be given to the students if required," said Adnan Sabuwala, advisor of JCI-Visakha Valley.

Next, the team plans to visit Sri Krishna Vidya Mandir and municipal school at Madhuranagar to educate children about making healthy eating a way of life.