The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has initiated the seventh edition of Poshan Pakhwada, a 15-day nationwide campaign aimed at addressing malnutrition, preventing obesity, and enhancing child health across India. Scheduled from April 8 to April 22, 2025, this year’s campaign underscores the government’s commitment to improving nutritional outcomes for women and children.
In This Article:
Key Focus Areas of Poshan Pakhwada 2025
The 2025 campaign centers on four pivotal themes:
The First 1,000 Days of Life: Emphasizing the critical importance of nutrition and care from conception to a child’s second birthday, this period is vital for optimal growth and development.
Promotion of the Poshan Tracker’s Beneficiary Module: Encouraging the widespread adoption of the Poshan Tracker, a digital tool designed to monitor and enhance nutritional outcomes among beneficiaries.
- Community-Based Management of Malnutrition (CMAM): Implementing localized strategies to identify, treat, and prevent malnutrition within communities.
- Addressing Childhood Obesity Through Lifestyle Modifications: Tackling the rising concern of childhood obesity by advocating balanced diets and regular physical activity.
Inauguration and Leadership Engagement
Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, inaugurated the program with a nationwide webcast. The event connected officials from 18 partner ministries, state departments, and Anganwadi workers, highlighting the collaborative effort required to combat malnutrition. Additionally, Union Minister Annpurna Devi is scheduled to visit Arunachal Pradesh during the first week of the campaign to assess ongoing nutrition and child welfare initiatives, underscoring the government’s focus on regional outreach and support for vulnerable populations.
Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement
As part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, Poshan Pakhwada 2025 aims to strengthen service delivery and boost community participation through various activities, including village-level health drives, home visits, and awareness camps. The overarching goal is to foster nutrition-related behavioral changes at both individual and community levels, promoting a nationwide movement toward improved health and well-being
Addressing Malnutrition and Obesity: A Dual Approach
India faces the dual challenge of undernutrition and rising childhood obesity. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21), the percentage of children under five years who are overweight has increased from 2.1% in 2015-16 to 3.4% in 2019-21. To combat this, the government is promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity among children. Recommendations include banning the sale of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) foods in school canteens and within 200 meters of schools during school hours, ensuring the availability of fruits and vegetables, and mandating physical activity in schools.
Leveraging Technology for Nutritional Monitoring
The Poshan Tracker, a digital tool developed by the MWCD, plays a crucial role in monitoring nutritional outcomes. By encouraging greater participation from families, the tracker ensures that beneficiaries can monitor their nutritional progress, facilitating timely interventions and support.
Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Protocol
Launched in October 2023, the CMAM protocol provides Anganwadi workers with a structured approach to detect, refer, and treat malnourished children within their communities. During Poshan Pakhwada 2025, this protocol is being emphasized to transform every Anganwadi into a frontline nutrition clinic, where routine appetite tests and timely referrals become standard practice.
The legacy continues
Since its inception in 2018, Poshan Pakhwada has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about nutrition and promoting healthy eating habits across India. The seventh edition continues this legacy, driving impactful changes in the nation’s approach to nutrition and child development. By combining tradition with technology, empowering Anganwadi workers, and involving communities, India is taking significant steps toward a healthier, stronger generation.
By – Sonali
