HADSA, SVT College webinar deliberates on severe acute malnutrition

The webinar saw 398 participants

Health Foods And Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA) organised a webinar on severe acute malnutrition jointly with Sir Vithaldas Thackersey (SVT) College of Home Science (Autonomous), SNDT Women’s University (SNDTWU). The webinar saw 398 participants.

Dr Jagmeet Madan, Principal & Professor, SVT College welcomed the august gathering and set the tone.

Ajit Singh, President – HADSA and Chairman -ACG whilst sharing his inspiring thoughts stated that malnutrition also called malnourishment is a condition resulting from eating a diet that contains either insufficient or too many nutrients due to which health problems ensue. The nutrients involved are calories, carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins or minerals.

Singh further stated, “We should start educating children from the school itself. Malnutrition leads to a reduction in resistance and more prone to viral diseases specially COVID. Malnutrition is a global phenomenon and it requires all countries to come together on a common platform.”

Dr Alka Jadhav, Professor, Pediatrics, Incharge NRRTC, LTMGH, Sion Hospital, Mumbai explained about tackling diverse facets of severe acute malnutrition. She addressed the importance of micronutrients, fortified foods and the importance of Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF). She stated an example of introducing soya-based RUTF which is cost-effective.

The panel discussion on ’Social Entrepreneurship in Healthcare’ was moderated by Panchali Moitra, Academic Dean & Assistant Professor, Self Financed Program, SVT College. She mentioned that we all are passing through multiple crises like access to healthcare, social issues, malnutrition so on. There is a need for collaborative efforts by all stakeholders including the government.

Dr RB Smarta, Vice President – HADSA & MD – Interlink Marketing Consultancy, outlined the basics of entrepreneurship and guided on how this can be used as a business model by entrepreneurs and Social Responsibility Business (SRB) is the new area coming up.

Dr Gopal Pandge, UNICEF State, Maharashtra, stated that outcome-based working and not credit-based working has been instrumental for success in Maharashtra. Dr Pandge also shared his in-depth knowledge and way forward in tackling the issue of malnutrition.

Amisha Parekh, Managing Trustee of Seva Charitable Trust outlined the role of NGOs in combating malnutrition particularly impacting the tribal sector. The work amongst tribal particularly in the forest area is quite challenging and needs a different approach with proper planning and execution.  

Kaushik Desai, Secretary-General, HADSA while summarising thanked and highlighted all aspects shared and spoken by every dignitary. He stated that HADSA as an organisation appreciates each and everyone especially the spontaneity of Dr Madan and her team for collaboratively organizing such knowledge-based events.

Dr Anurdha Ramesh, Asst Professor, Self-Financed Program, SVT College delivered the vote of thanks appreciating and thanking every individual who contributed to making this event successful. She specially thanked all the speakers and panellists for sharing their vast knowledge and being present.