The Department of Dietetics and Applied Nutrition and The Department of Public Health of Amity Medical School, Amity University Gurugram organized a Social Awareness Program at Anganwadi, Fazalwas Village, Gurugram, on 31st October 2023. The primary goal of the outreach program was to raise awareness about maternal and child health care practices within the community. The event was coordinated by Dr.Luxita Sharma, Director of AMS.
The students engaged in interactive sessions with children, encouraging them to discuss their eating habits and favorite foods. Utilizing a model on malnutrition, the participants elaborated on the causes, symptoms, and consequences of protein energy malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of nutritious food to prevent such issues. Additionally, the students prepared informative posters on topics like breastfeeding and pregnancy, conducting health education lectures covering balanced nutrition, breastfeeding, and the significance of regular health check-ups. They also explained immunization schedules and their importance, dispelling myths related to pregnancy and lactating diet habits. A total of 26 students and 2 faculty members were present during the event.
In conclusion, the program not only provided valuable guidance to the local community but also raised awareness about maternal and child health care. Moreover, the event involved preparing and distributing healthy snacks containing bajra millet to children and pregnant and lactating women. The impact of these efforts extend beyond the immediate outreach event, contributing to the overall betterment of society.