CHANGLANG, Sep 9: In a significant move, a convergence meeting was held on Monday in Yatdam circle involving asha (Accredited Social Health Activists) and Anganwadi workers to discuss and strategize on improving the health of women and children in the society.
Attending the meeting, Yatdam Circle Officer Dr Ripi Doni emphasized the crucial role that the ASHA and Anganwadi workers play in promoting maternal and child health at the grassroots level.
“Asha and Anganwadi workers play a vital role in the education and health of rural children and women at the grassroots level. Since their target audience is common and many of the ICDS schemes require assistance from the Health Department, they need to work in synchronization to deliver an impactful service,” the CO said.
Highlighting the roles and responsibilities of Anganwadi workers, CDPO W Khimhun said that AWWs need to spend 4 hours a day except on Sundays with children belonging to the 3-6 years age group. She stressed on following the routine and distributed thematic curriculum framework for each month of the year. The curriculum involves basic school readiness activities.
Speaking on Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHND), the MO, Yatdam asked the ASHA workers to pay home visits every week and conduct VHND every month. Basic knowledge of Ashas was tested by asking random questions on the first-aid activities during dog bites, high fever, and diarrhea.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of key resolutions, including the ones that the Anganwadi workers will teach for atleast 4 hours a day and the Ashas to keep basic medicines with them in the village.
Moreover, the Ashas committed to visit pregnant women and lactating mother atleast once in every week, and Ashas and AWWs will work in close coordination for overall development of women and children. (DIPRO)