Introduction

Sampushti, a visionary initiative by the Development Consortium (DC), passionately dedicated to transforming the health and wellness of rural adolescents and infants. Spearheaded by DC, Sampushti is a pioneering effort committed to elevating the physical, mental, social and educational well-being of young lives in rural communities. Our mission is clear, to unleash the full potential of rural children by combatting the pervasive impact of iron deficiency and malnutrition.

Sampushti focuses on empowering adolescents through innovative health interventions. Our Adolescent Health Awareness Program (AHAP) and Home-Based Nutrition Care (HBNC) programs harness the power of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) alongside Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategies. AHAP focuses on Iron deficiency while HBNC focuses on reducing malnutrition and promotion of early childhood development. This integrated approach not only aims to eradicate iron deficiency but also to nurture a healthier future generation. By bolstering adolescent health through AHAP and focusing on infants and children through HBNC, Sampushti aspires to pave the way for enhanced educational outcomes and long-term health prosperity.

Background

Initiated in response to the alarming rates of anemia in India, especially among adolescents, Sampushti was developed to counter the profound health challenges this condition presents. With over 59.1% of adolescent girls affected by anemia, the project targets this vulnerable group to enhance their health and educational performance, thereby safeguarding their future and potential for safe motherhood. 

Operating primarily in few blocks of Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, Sampushti was established with a clear understanding of the following alarming statistics:

  • Anemia is a critical public health challenge in India, affecting over 50% of vulnerable population groups, including pregnant women, infants, young children, and adolescents.
  • According to the National Family Health Survey 5, adolescent girls bear a disproportionate burden with a prevalence rate of 59.1%.
  • This high prevalence not only impairs physical and mental capabilities but also diminishes educational performance and poses significant obstacles to future safe motherhood.


Goals and Objectives

Sampushti, driven by its core mission to advance adolescent health and well-being, employs a multifaceted strategy centered around Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) as well as Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) initiatives. Through innovative tools such as beneficiary booklets, interactive training modules, and compelling wall paintings, Sampushti not only raises awareness but also cultivates knowledge and fosters positive attitudes and behaviours among adolescents in the.


The objectives of Sampushti include:

  • Reducing the prevalence of adolescent malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia.
  • Enhancing knowledge and behavior concerning women’s health and personal hygiene.
  • Developing and disseminating localized communication tools and modules.
  • Fostering behavioral changes that can be sustained and passed on to future generations.
  • Creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that supports ongoing community health improvements.

Implementation Strategy

Sampushti employs a multifaceted strategy to combat anemia and promote health:

  • Education on anemia and malnutrition, emphasizing the need to address these issues comprehensively.
  • Promotion of iron uptake through nutritional supplements like Iron-folic tablets and moringa supplements.
  • Engagement with key stakeholders including students, parents, and educators to foster ownership of health.
  • Capacity building within communities to ensure continuous improvement in health standards. 

Sampushti-Adolescent Health Anemia Project

Our efforts have led to a remarkable increase in awareness of anemia symptoms, from 3% to 86%, and a significant shift in the perception of anemia symptoms among adolescents along with a 22% reduction in anemia incidence.

Impact and Future Direction

Since its inception, Sampushti has made significant strides in promoting adolescent health:

  • Health Camps: Between 2023 and 2024, the project successfully conducted health camps for 7,176 adolescent beneficiaries from close to 5,500 families in 125 villages and 41 Gram Panchayats. It achieved significant improvements in awareness and knowledge related to anemia, with the percentage of adolescents identifying anemia symptoms increasing from 3% to 86% post-camp.
  • Reduction in Anemia: Improved knowledge and attitudes towards anemia and health, reducing the incidence of anemia by 22%..
  • School Sessions: Alongside health camps, Sampushti also conducted several sessions on anemia awareness and health in schools across Hardoi, driving up awareness on the issue. These sessions provide safe spaces for students to improve their knowledge and feel free from any form of taboo that may come from topics such as menstrual health and hygiene.

Sampushti-Home-Based Nutrition Care Project

The Sampushti-Home-Based Nutrition Care Project targets infants and young children aged 6 months to 5 years, aiming to eradicate malnutrition and drive a shift in awareness and practices. Operating primarily in the Hardoi District, our Home-Based Nutrition Campaign (HBNC) targets severe malnutrition (SAM) and severe underweight (SUW) among children aged 0-5 years. Currently, 12% of children in our focus area fall into these categories, and our ambitious goal is to reduce this figure to less than 5%.

Approach:

  • 14-day Nutrition Campaigns: Conducted at the Gram Panchayat level, employing anthropometric screening to identify SAM/SUW children.
  • Community Engagement: Training Anganwadi Workers, educating families on nutrition and hygiene, and ensuring sustainable practices.
  • Counseling Sessions: Providing home-based nutrition support and follow-up visits.​​​​​​​

Coverage:

  • Geographical Spread: Spanning 78 Gram Panchayats, over 200 villages, and 214 Anganwadi Centers in Ahirori and Kachhauna blocks.
  • Beneficiaries: Registered a cumulative total of 16,094 children, with screening for 14,186 children, and 2,126 identified for specialized care in Nutrition Camps.
  • Nutrition and Medical Camps: Conducted 62 Nutrition and Medical Camps, directly benefiting 1,875 malnourished children and providing critical screening services.

Milestones and Ambitions

Sampushti aims to achieve the following objectives with a focus on enhancing infants, children, and adolescent health and nutrition:

  • Decreasing the prevalence of malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia among adolescents.
  • Empowering adolescents with comprehensive knowledge and promoting positive behaviors related to women’s health and personal hygiene.
  • Designing and distributing tailored communication tools and educational modules that resonate with local communities.
  • Cultivating enduring behavioral transformations that can endure through generations.
  • Establishing a self-sustaining ecosystem that fosters continual improvements in community health.

Transforming Childhood Nutrition: Impact and Pathways Forward

DC is committed to revolutionizing childhood nutrition through innovative initiatives that prioritize Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) alongside Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategies. Our goal is to forge a path towards a healthier future for generations to come.

Sampushti’s Five-Fold Strategy:

  • Education and Awareness: Fostering acceptance and understanding of anemia and malnutrition.
  • Nutritional Optimization: Promoting the uptake of essential nutrients like iron.
  • Empowerment: Encouraging proactive health practices and behavioral changes.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Building a supportive network committed to health improvement.
  • Capacity Building: Establishing sustainable measures for ongoing community development.

By laying a robust foundation for healthier future generations, we are dedicated to realizing our vision of a healthier India. Join us as we forge ahead in our mission to nurture healthier communities and create lasting impacts on childhood nutrition and well-being. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Sampushti: Empowering Health, Empowering Lives #DrivingTheChangeThatMatters

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