Aahar

The document outlines SNEHA’s Aahar program, which focuses on addressing malnutrition and improving child and maternal health through community engagement and capacity building under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). The program emphasizes creating demand for ICDS services, empowering communities to advocate for better service delivery, and ensuring the effective involvement of ICDS staff in providing mandated services. Aahar transitioned from direct implementation to a facilitative role, aiming to foster sustainable change through capacity building of both communities and service providers.

The program engages at multiple levels. At the individual and household level, barriers to accessing public services are identified and addressed through Behavior Change Communication and practical demonstrations. Community-level interventions include mobilizing volunteers, organizing events, and fostering partnerships between the community and civic administration. At the systemic level, efforts are focused on strengthening ICDS implementation and training Anganwadi workers to improve service delivery, such as distributing Take Home Rations (THR).

The program has achieved measurable impacts, including reductions in wasting, stunting, and anemia, and improvements in immunization rates, breastfeeding practices, and dietary diversity. Despite systemic challenges like inconsistent THR supply, the program’s focus on community ownership and advocacy has resulted in increased service uptake and better health outcomes for children and mothers in urban areas.