Adolescent Girls Camp on Information Education & Communication (IEC) and advocacy programme under National Nutrition Mission was held at Chief Medical Officer Conference Hall, Mon on 23rd July 2019 under the theme ‘Good Livelihood’

Medical Officer CMO Office Mon, Dr. Elizabeth speaking on the topic ‘Awareness on Health Nutrition’ and ‘Anaemia’ said that adolescent is the transition period between childhood and adulthood, a window of opportunity for the improvement of nutritional status and correcting poor nutritional practices. Any nutritional deficiency experienced during this critical period of life can have an effect on the future health of the individual and their offspring. Anemia is the most widespread micronutrient deficiency affecting the vulnerable groups including adolescent girls which reduces the capacity to learn and work, she said.

Supervisor, Social Welfare Department Mon, L. Amei Konyak speaking on the topic ‘Importance of Hygiene & Sanitation’ and ‘Right Age of Marriage’ said that, early marriage before the age of 18 for girls in India is a violation of human rights and has an impact on physical growth, health, mental and emotional development, and educational opportunities. She adviced the adolescent girls to equip themselves with knowledge and skills and delay marriage to lead healthier fulfilled lives. She also mentioned that, in order to prevent health-related problems, healthy behaviors must be adapted for holistic development and a better future.

More than 70 adolescent girls representing all Anganwadi Centres under Mon Block attended the function. The programme was organised by the Mon Block Convergence Actions Plan Committee under the aegis of Rashtriya Poshan Abhiyaan