Sustained nutrition support, parental counselling, and continuous care help infant Paridhi recover from severe malnutrition to normal category
Published on: March 23, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The district administration’s Poth Laika Initiative is showing encouraging results in combating severe child malnutrition, with a recent case highlighting its impactful intervention.
Infant Paridhi Sahu, born underweight and categorized as severely malnourished, has now achieved normal health status through sustained efforts involving nutrition counselling, maternal awareness, and continuous monitoring.
Paridhi was born at a local health centre with a weight of just 1.95 kg and a length of 46 cm—indicating a condition of severe malnutrition. Recognizing the risk, Anganwadi worker Hemin Sahu from Anganwadi Centre Kopedih No. 1 (Anjora sector) immediately initiated targeted interventions.
The child’s mother, Jyoti Sahu, was guided on essential neonatal care practices, including Kangaroo Mother Care, exclusive breastfeeding, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring a warm environment with limited external exposure. She was also advised to follow a nutritious diet to support the child’s growth.
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A crucial role was played by the weekly “Palak Chaupal” sessions organized every Thursday at Anganwadi centres, where mothers are educated on child nutrition, health practices, and caregiving techniques. The family diligently followed the guidance provided during these sessions, while the Anganwadi worker ensured regular home visits for monitoring progress.
The results were visible within days. By the third day, the infant’s weight increased to 2 kg, rising steadily to 2.16 kg on the fifth day and 2.29 kg by the seventh day. Within two weeks, Paridhi’s weight reached 2.5 kg.
By January 2026, within just one month, her weight improved to 3.13 kg, moving her into the moderate category. Continued care and nutritional support further accelerated her recovery. By the end of February 2026, her weight had reached 4.7 kg with a length of 54 cm.
As of March 2026, Paridhi weighs 5.01 kg and measures 58 cm in length, placing her firmly in the normal health category—an achievement credited to timely intervention and sustained care under the initiative.
Officials noted that such success stories demonstrate how community-based programmes, when combined with awareness and regular follow-ups, can effectively tackle malnutrition at the grassroots level.
The Poth Laika Initiative continues to play a pivotal role in improving child health outcomes across the district, reinforcing the importance of early intervention, maternal education, and community participation in public health efforts.
