Anaemia Reduction through BCC

Approach in Rameshwaram Island

Problem of Malnutritions

• Malnutrition is a widely prevalent problem everywhere and of astonishing

magnitude.
• We have the highest prevalence of underweight children (more than 40
percent).
• According to NFHS-3 data, close to 80% of India’s children in the age group of
6 - 12 months are anaemic.
• Forty-six percent of children below 3 years of age are underweight.
• According to NFHS-3, 55 per cent of women in the age group of 15-49 were
anaemic.
• Rameswaram is having 38% of the pregnant mothers and 42% of the
adolescent girl as anaemic as per DHDR report 2019
Target population

• Families (500) residing in Rameswaram Island.

• Special focus on:
• Adolescent girls
• Ante-natal mothers
• Post-natal mothers
• Children under 5 years
Problem to be Addressed:

• High prevalence of anaemia among all age groups in Rameswaram

Island.
• Shift in dietary habits from rice and processed foods to millets and
vegetables
• Lack of access to iron and vitamin supplements, especially for
adolescent girls and pregnant women.
Objectives:

• Promote positive dietary behaviours to reduce iron deficiency

anaemia and multivitamin deficiency.
• Specific objectives:
• Increase knowledge about nutritious food and its benefits.
• Improve access to iron supplementation services.
• Encourage consumption of iron and vitamin-rich millets and vegetables.
Our Unique Approach:

• Family-centered: Interventions target the entire family for

sustainable behaviour change.
• BCC approach: Uses a combination of knowledge sharing, attitude
development, and access improvement strategies.
• Lifestyle focus: Emphasizes long-term healthy habits over
temporary solutions.
Intervention Strategies

• Knowledge Interventions:
• IEC materials (posters, street plays, films) on anaemia and nutrition.
• Group education sessions on healthy eating and hygiene.
• Cooking demonstrations showcasing millet and vegetable recipes.
• Attitude Interventions:
• Self-monitoring system for tracking dietary habits and haemoglobin levels.
• Hb testing camps with counselling for anaemic individuals.
• Personal and family counselling to encourage dietary changes.
• Conventions for sharing experiences and building peer pressure for healthy practices.
• Access Interventions:
• Supporting creation of kitchen gardens in households.
• Coordinating with public health centres for iron and deworming tablet distribution.
Outcomes

• Project Duration: 24 months

• Expected Outcomes:
• Increased knowledge on anaemia and healthy eating habits.
• Improved attitudes towards nutritious foods among families.
• Increased access to fruits, vegetables, and nutritional
supplements.
• Reduction in anaemia prevalence among adolescent girls by the
project end.
Monitoring and Evaluation

• Haemoglobin testing and KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) surveys

to track progress.
• Regular field visits
• Tie-up with Government systems to avail the other facilities
Budget

• Give complete budget

Sustainability

• Multiplier effects expected to spread the approach across the island.

• Potential for replication in other areas of the state and nation.