Campaign focuses on children aged 9 months to 5 years, with emphasis on Vitamin A supplementation, anaemia prevention, immunisation and early detection of malnutrition
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 20, 2026: Chhattisgarh has launched a new phase of Infant Protection Month (Shishu Sanrakshan Maah) from August 18, 2026, with a focus on improving the health, nutrition and overall development of children aged nine months to five years.
The campaign, being implemented by the Health and Women & Child Development departments, aims to reduce malnutrition, anaemia, infectious diseases and under-five mortality through preventive healthcare, nutritional interventions and greater awareness among parents and caregivers.
The initiative seeks to ensure that children receive timely healthcare and essential nutrients during the critical early years of life, while encouraging families to adopt healthy nutrition, hygiene and childcare practices.
Vitamin A supplementation and anaemia prevention
As part of the campaign, children between nine months and five years will be provided Vitamin A supplementation to help prevent Vitamin A deficiency and strengthen immunity.
Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) syrup will also be provided to children in the specified age group to help prevent anaemia. Health and Anganwadi workers will also encourage parents to ensure that children receive all routine vaccinations.
Children who have missed scheduled vaccinations will be identified and provided immunisation against diseases including measles, rubella, polio, pertussis and tetanus.
Early identification of malnutrition
A major component of Infant Protection Month is the early identification of malnutrition. At Anganwadi centres, children will be weighed and their height measured to assess their nutritional status.
Children identified with severe malnutrition will be referred to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres, wherever required, for specialised care and treatment.
The campaign will also promote measures to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhoea. Mothers and caregivers will be provided information about the use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation as appropriate.
Focus on breastfeeding and complementary nutrition
The campaign places considerable emphasis on counselling mothers and families on appropriate infant and young-child feeding practices.
Mothers will be encouraged to initiate breastfeeding with colostrum—the first thick, yellowish milk—within one hour of birth and practise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
After six months, complementary foods of appropriate quantity and quality should be introduced alongside continued breastfeeding. Families will also be advised to introduce new foods gradually and ensure that food is prepared in forms suitable for young children to reduce choking risks.
Awareness on hygiene and child development
Infant Protection Month goes beyond medical services by focusing on behavioural changes and early childhood development.
Families will be counselled on proper handwashing, sanitation and cleanliness to reduce the risk of infections. Parents will also be encouraged to talk, read and sing to their children to support early brain development.
Adequate sleep and age-appropriate physical activity will also be promoted. Infants should be given opportunities to move freely and safely, helping strengthen their bodies and supporting their physical and cognitive development.
Parents will also be advised against keeping babies confined for extended periods in swings, strollers, bouncing seats and other movement-restricting devices.
Community participation crucial
The campaign is being positioned as a collective responsibility involving families, health workers, Mitanins, ASHAs and Anganwadi workers.
Joint Director, Public Relations, Dhananjay Rathore said the initiative aims to create greater awareness about the importance of nutrition, preventive healthcare and proper childcare during the formative years.
He emphasised that sustained cooperation between healthcare workers, Anganwadi workers and families is essential to build a healthy, malnutrition-free and empowered generation.
Infant Protection Month thus seeks to strengthen the foundation of childhood health by combining healthcare services, nutritional support, early detection and community awareness at the grassroots level.
