As part of the National Nutrition Mission (NNM), being implemented on pilot basis in four districts in Kerala, the health department has added reduction in obesity and encouraging breastfeeding as additional targets.
NNM, implemented as ‘Sampushta Keralam’, is operational in Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad and Malappuram. The remaining 10 districts will come under its coverage next year.
The objectives of the mission include reduce ‘stunting’ among children below 6 years reducing low birth weight reducing anaemia among children aged between six months and 59 months, reducing anaemia among women and adolescent girls and reducing under-nutrition among children.
The project is a combined initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of women and child development (WCD). It is being implemented on a 60-40 cost sharing basis between Centre and states.