DSM partners with Ministry of Women and Child Development to spread awareness on nutrition

DSM, a global science based company active in Health, Nutrition and Materials announced the launch of POSHAN cards to support the Government's mission to combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies amongst mothers and children.

With this launch, DSM becomes the first direct reach partner to support offline distribution of POSHAN cards in districts of Pune, Thane and Palghar in Maharashtra.

POSHAN Cards are mobile compatible memory cards containing a set of videos which give simple, direct and actionable information on nutrition. These cards will enable 15000 Anganwadi Workers to spread awareness on the impact of nutrition deficiency particularly among pregnant women, mothers and infants.

The POSHAN Card program is expected to reach 1.5 million women and their families in three districts of Maharashtra.

DSM being an active advocate at global platforms to increase actions for improved nutrition has partnered with Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) HealthPhone and Vodafone in the mission to further the awareness on good nutrition habits for expectant mothers and children. The underlying belief is that nutrition-focused multi-stakeholder partnerships are essential to eradicate malnutrition in the country.

Maharashtra has been the first state in the country to tackle malnutrition on a 'Mission mode' and has received national and international acclaim for achieving landmark reductions in child stunting with its persistent efforts.

"At DSM we firmly believe that investing in people's nutrition is an urgent priority, and we are doing so in India as well as in many other countries around the world. I am confident that DSM and our science-based solutions, knowledge and expertise can help tackle malnutrition in India in collaboration with Central government, State government and other partners," said CEO and Managing Director DSM Nutritional Products, Chris Goppelsroeder.

B Rajagopal President of DSM India, said "As the world's leading producer of nutritional ingredients including vitamins, DSM is committed to help address hidden hunger, one of the world's greatest solvable problems. Awareness of the right nutrition practices is particularly important here in India, especially for women and children."

"Through this CSR initiative, we are proud to be a part of the unique Poshan program which reinforces simple and important messages in nutritional care practices that can notably enhance health and wellbeing of families and generations to come," added B Rajagopal.

"Today, almost 33 percent of the world's malnourished children live in India. Mass education about the seriousness of this problem, its pitfalls and easy solutions, is critical, particularly among women of child bearing age, mothers and their immediate families. Working integrally with MWCD and DWCD, Maharashtra, we aim to support the AWWs to better educate the caregivers, and in time change their behavior to address this issue comprehensively," added Dr. P. Jog, President Indian Academy of Pediatrics.

Due to the sheer size of its growing population and associated development challenges, India faces a unique problem in tackling malnutrition. Providing the right nutrients to pregnant women and their infants is of vital importance.

It is now known that the right quality of nutrition during a critical 1,000 day window of opportunity from conception until a child reaches two years of age is fundamental to social and economic development for individuals, communities and the country as a whole and to breaking the cycle of economic poverty.