Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal along with officials from District Hospital Dimapur, CMO office at the launching of the first 1000 days of life on June 15.
DIMAPUR, JUNE 15 (MExN): Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal launched the ‘First 1000 Days of Life’ at Chief Medical Officer’s conference hall, Dimapur on Thursday.
The first 1000 days of life-between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday is a unique period of opportunity when the foundations for optimum health and development across lifespan are established. Each day of this journey is special and influences the way a child develops, grow, and learn for the rest of his life.
Speaking on the occasion as special guest, Jaiswal stated that the intervention during the first 1000 days of life is not a new concept, and the medical department has been working hard to provide ANC to pregnant women and new-born care and immunization services have been going on for many years.
He stated that as compared to other districts in the State, health facilities in Dimapur are more accessible. The challenge for far flung areas where health facilities are not easily accessible is to increase their home base services through ANMs, ASHAs and AWWs.
He further emphasized on promoting locally sourced food and homemade foods which are more organic and suitable to the local people and not to rely on food supplement packages available in the market. He also stressed on the importance of involving both parents in child care and urged the health workers to insist the presence of the father/husband during ANC visits.
As parenting is a partnership, counseling of child care should be given to both the parents. He also requested the health workers to sensitize the parents on all the schemes given by central or state government during such ANC visits. He also requested the faith-based organizations, civil societies and NGOs to spread awareness to the public.
Dr Rebecca, District Programme Officer, RCH/UIP presented the keynote address on the first 1000 days of life, while Dr Wabang Imchen, Consultant (Pediatrician), District Hospital Dimapur dwelt on the importance of new born care, first 6 month of exclusive breast feeding, and early childhood development.
Dr Yanrenthung, Senior Consultant, District Hospital, Dimapur highlighted the importance of ANC and hospital delivery. Keniekesangulie Zumu, DPO, Social Welfare Department sensitized on Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and nutritional support during the first 1000 days given to pregnant women and child while M. Yimoik Phom, ADPM, Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) sensitized on SBCC through SHG institutions. Imlilemla Longkumer, District Community Mobilization (DCM) highlighted on Village Health & Sanitation Day.
The programme was chaired by Dr Antoly Suu, Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Dr Khrielasanuo, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Dimapur also attended the programme.
After the launching programme, training on strengthening of ante-natal care services for programme officers, medical officers, staff nurses, community health officers, and auxiliary nurse and midwife was held.
