The early years of a child significantly influence their physical and cognitive development, laying the foundation for a healthy life, with proper nutrition playing an especially important role. Recognizing the significance of National Safe Motherhood Day, Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s Iconic Aluminium producer and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, continues its impactful Project Arogya. This comprehensive health initiative underscores the crucial role of good nutrition, particularly during children’s formative years. As part of this program, BALCO conducts PD Hearth sessions to empower mothers with essential knowledge on nutrition and healthcare. In FY 2024 alone, the initiative has supported the development needs of over 3500 mothers and 2400 malnourished children across villages in Chhattisgarh. Through rural health posts and health camps, Project Arogya has ensured improved access to proper nutrition in the remotest areas of the state, ensuring the health and well-being of several rural communities.
Project Arogya employs comprehensive health screenings to first categorize children based on their nutritional status. Children with severe malnutrition are immediately referred to the Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre for specialized treatment. Those identified with moderate malnutrition are included in Positive Deviance (PD) Hearth group nutrition sessions that span 12 days, which aim to serve as focused turning points in both the children’s and mothers’ nutritional journey.
