Ensuring Healthy Growth: Complementary Feeding Focus for Poshan Maah 2024

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is observing the 7^th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, a month-long event aimed at improving ground-level nutrition outcomes and encouraging behavioral changes. This year’s theme includes Complementary Feeding, a critical aspect of infant nutrition.

On the 7^th day of Poshan Maah, 1.79 crore activities have been reported, demonstrating the widespread enthusiasm and commitment to improving nutrition outcomes among infants and young children. More than 20 lakh activities have been reported specifically on Complementary Feeding, a critical aspect of infant nutrition.

After/ around the age of 6 months, an infant’s need for energy and nutrients starts to exceed that which is provided by breast milk.  Complementary foods are necessary to meet those needs. An infant of this age is also developmentally ready for  foods other  than mother‟s milk.

During the period of complementary feeding, children are at high risk of undernutrition. Sensitization of the community about the time of initiation, nutritional quality, quantity and frequency of complimentary feeding will help to ensure healthy growth of children.

Till now, 7^th Rashtriya Poshan Maah has witnessed remarkable participation across the country, with 756 districts from 35 States/UTs actively engaging in awareness drives and nutrition-focused sensitization activities.