Zunheboto, Mokokchung launch ‘First 1000 Days’ programme

DIMAPUR — Zunheboto District Health Society (DHS) launched the ‘First 1000 Days’ of life programme under the National Health Mission on Tuesday at Sumi Kukaki Hoho Ki with the deputy commissioner of Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, as the special guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mali expressed gratitude to the DHS for organising such events, which would prove beneficial for the society. He stated that the programme is focused on critical interventions like ante-natal care (ANC), hospital delivery, vaccination and early childhood care for both mother and child from pregnancy till the second birthday of a child, an update from the CMO office stated.

He further sought all-round assistance from the Medical and allied departments, faith-based organisations, civil societies and NGOs to ensure successful implementation of the programme.

The welcome address was delivered by the deputy CMO of Zunheboto, Dr. K Akaho Sema, while Dr. Heto Swu, DPO (UIP &RCH) Zunheboto, gave a brief introduction to the ‘First 1000 Days’ of life, the importance of antenatal care and hospital delivery and the convergence of village health sanitation and nutrition day.

Dr. Kapfo from District Hospital Zunheboto spoke on the importance of antenatal care and hospital delivery and vaccination of children, while Dr. Ivikali spoke on breastfeeding and early childhood development.

Representatives from Social Welfare department, NSRLM, medical officers, nurses from all health units, staff under CMO establishment, civil society organisation attended the programme.

In a related programme, Mokokchung division of the Health and Family Welfare department launched the ‘First 1000 days’ programme on May 30 at Sangtemla hall in Mokokchung town with the deputy commissioner, Shashank Pratap Singh, as the chief guest.

Informing that ‘healthy child makes a healthy society,’ the chief guest called upon the allied departments, civil societies and various stakeholders to coordinate in creating awareness on the importance of the ‘First 1000 days’ programme and the different schemes upto the village level.

Dr. Longri from UNICEF presented on the ‘First 1000 days’ programme, while Dr. Supongmeren, senior specialist (OBG) at IMDH, spoke on the importance of antenatal care and hospital delivery and Aienla Longkumer from the Social Welfare department has highlighted on PMMVY scheme and nutritional support during 1000 days.

Report stated that Dr. Imlisenba, paediatrician at IMDH; Dr. Takosunep Ao, DPO RCH & UIP; Moatoshi from NSRLM-RD; Dr. Maongkala, MO of PHC Mongsenyimti, made presentations on the importance of breastfeeding: the complete nutrition and early development, importance of vaccination in children, SBCC through SHG institutions, and convergence at village health sanitation and nutrition days.

Government officials from Health, Social Welfare and Rural Development departments, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, media personnel and development partners attended the launch programme.