TFP Bureau, Raipur; April 10, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a leading aluminium producer in India and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, continues to empower mothers and children through its impactful health initiative, Project Arogya. As part of the ongoing efforts to commemorate National Safe Motherhood Day, BALCO underscores the critical importance of good nutrition in shaping the health and development of children during their early years.
Project Arogya focuses on improving nutritional outcomes through targeted interventions, including PD Hearth sessions aimed at educating mothers about nutrition and healthcare. In the fiscal year 2024, the initiative has positively impacted over 3500 mothers and 2400 malnourished children across villages in Chhattisgarh. Through rural health posts and health camps, Project Arogya ensures enhanced access to proper nutrition, particularly in remote areas, thus contributing to the health and well-being of rural communities.
The initiative employs comprehensive health screenings to assess children’s nutritional status, facilitating immediate referrals to specialized treatment facilities for severe cases of malnutrition. Children identified with moderate malnutrition benefit from Positive Deviance (PD) Hearth group sessions, which span 12 days and serve as pivotal points in their nutritional journey.
Savitri Yadav from Bhadrapara recounts her transformative experience with Project Arogya, which enabled her 19-month-old son Shresth to overcome malnutrition. Savitri’s dedication during the PD Hearth sessions led to a remarkable weight gain of over 700 grams for Shresth, liberating him from malnutrition’s grasp. Similar success stories abound, with mothers like Salma from Nehru Nagar embracing nutritious recipes and practices imparted by Project Arogya to improve their children’s health.
Mamta Farrey, another beneficiary from Nehru Nagar, exemplifies the project’s impact by extending her newfound knowledge to neighboring villages. Through her selfless efforts, Mamta empowers other mothers to prioritize nutrition and health, fostering a collective commitment to children’s well-being.
As an integral component of Project Arogya, BALCO collaborates annually with the District Health Department to observe Poshan Maah, a month-long program dedicated to maternal and child health. These initiatives extend beyond health improvements, aiming to sow seeds of empowerment and resilience within communities.
Project Arogya’s success has garnered national recognition, with BALCO receiving accolades such as the SABERA award and the Glenmark Nutrition Awards for its impactful contributions to community health. The project’s transformative outcomes exemplify BALCO’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community welfare, underscoring its dedication to fostering healthier, more resilient communities.
