Beneficiaries 

Children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in the age group of 0 to 6 years.

Short description 

In line with the government's vision of a Malnutrition-free Maharashtra, 'Village Child Development Centers' (VCDCs) have been established across the state to address Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children aged 0 to 6. These centers provide additional nutrition, medical care, and parental nutrition counseling to children affected by SAM.

VCDCs are set up at the village or Anganwadi level, where severe malnourished children are identified based on criteria such as weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, and edema. Every effort is made at the VCDC to bring these severely malnourished children back to a healthy nutritional status.

Key Points

• To reduce malnutrition in children by providing supplementary nutritional food.
• To eradicate malnutrition-related issues by delivering healthcare services.
• To achieve freedom from severe acute malnutrition in children.

Details

• VCDCs are established at the village or Anganwadi level to address Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children.
• SAM children are provided with nutrition and are kept at the Anganwadi for a day in a month.
• Children are given nutritious meals at least 6 times a day at the Anganwadi.
• In addition, SAM children are provided with Energy Dense Nutritious Foods (EDNF).
• Once a week, the VCDC is visited by a ANM and within 15 days medical officer from the Primary Health Center (PHC) for health check-ups of all children.

 Criteria / Procedure to apply

Anganwadi Sevika measures the height and weight of children aged 0 to 6 years at the Anganwadi. If a child falls under the SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition) category based on these measurements, or if there is doubt about it after conducting an examination by Primary Health Centre Medical Doctor, the child is then admitted to the Village Child Development Center (VCDC).