The Shrimati Malati Dahanukar Trust (SMDT) in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district has been successful in tackling malnutrition among mothers and children in the area. The trust, founded in 2010, focuses on providing nutrition tips and fortified food to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and their children during the critical first 1,000 days from pregnancy to five years of age. Through their efforts, SMDT has reached out to around 11,000 families in 52 localities, primarily inhabited by laborers and workers.
SMDT employs a comprehensive approach, educating mothers through graphic and audio-visual aids developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. The trust promotes breastfeeding and emphasizes the use of homegrown vegetables to fortify rice. They have also trained ASHA and anganwadi workers to identify and counsel malnourished children under their ‘Teach the Trainer’ program.
To further expand their impact, SMDT aims to eradicate malnutrition from Rajura, the most malnourished area in India, by dividing it into six blocks and implementing targeted interventions. The trust has formulated a plan in collaboration with IIT Bombay but is yet to launch it.
The success of SMDT lies in their dedicated team and the trust they have built with the community. Even financially well-off individuals like Ashwini Dhokchowle choose to seek treatment for their children at SMDT, showcasing the organization\’s reputation for providing effective care. By addressing misconceptions about nutrition and empowering women, SMDT has made significant strides in improving the health and well-being of mothers and children in the region.
Source: India Today
