Child malnutrition in many developing countries poses a substantial public health challenge, inflicting considerable physical and emotional suffering on the young population. Beyond the immediate human toll, its ramifications extend to impeding the prospects for overall development in these nations. Malnourished children demand heightened care from their parents, often placing additional strain on already limited resources. Furthermore, as they grow into adulthood, these individuals tend to be less physically and intellectually productive, hindering the nation's potential for economic growth and progress. Not only is child malnutrition a significant impediment to development, but it is also a violation of a child's fundamental human rights. Every child has the inherent right to proper nutrition, health, and holistic development. Addressing malnutrition thus is crucial not only for the welfare of the present generation but also for breaking the intergenerational cycle of undernutrition.

“In the South Asian region, India is one of the fastest growing countries economically, educationally, and technologically. Despite economic progress, India has failed to combat malnutrition adversely affects the country’s socioeconomic progress” (Narayan et al 2018). According to National Family Health Survey 5, Chhattisgarh presents a gloomy picture. The state has 35% of children under the age of 5 years who are stunted (Chronically malnourished), 18.9% of children under 5 years suffering from wasting (Acute malnutrition and higher chances of infections and deaths), 31% of children in the state weight less for their age, 67% children under the age of 5 years are anaemic, 61 % adolescent girls and women in reproductive age group are anaemic, 1 in 2 pregnant women in the state suffer from anemia which increases the probability for LBW and maternal deaths.  As per the data of the annual Vajan Tyohar, August 2022, 7.3 Lakh (31%) children are stunted, 3.8 Lakh (16%) are wasted and 4.2 Lakh (18%) are underweight in the state.

Several government policies and schemes to improve coverage of reproductive and child health services, such as routine immunization, antenatal care services, institutional deliveries, and promotion of breastfeeding practices have reportedly performed low. Vir et al 2014 while analysing one such community-based Mitanin Programme in Chhattisgarh highlighted the potential such direct intervention holds and gaps in its actual implementations. It has been pointed out that the role of mitanins which largely focuses on undertaking family-level outreach services, creating demand, and improving coverage of maternal and child health services, as well as supporting the health department in community organization-building and social mobilization has not been fully utilized. Similar findings came out from the study of Narayan et al 2018 about the role of the 'Anganwadi worker”, a frontline personnel, responsible for nutrition education under The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, Government of India.  The District Level Household Survey (DLHS)-3 reveals a concerning trend: the proportion of women who receive nutrition and health education during pregnancy and lactation from these Anganwadi workers is notably low.

This observation underscores a gap between policy intent and its effective implementation, highlighting challenges in delivering nutrition education services to the targeted beneficiaries. Undernutrition in the form of protein-energy malnutrition is a challenge but critical lies in making the community aware of this knowledge. Effective nutrition education for parents of malnourished children, pregnant women and lactating mothers is crucial for empowering women. The knowledge about proper dietary practices, prenatal care, and child-rearing practices is thereby essential in breaking the cycle of malnutrition and promoting the overall health and well-being of both mothers and their infants.

“PAHAL: Prayas se Parinam”, a CSR initiative of ABIS aims to bridge this gap through targeted interventions: improved training programs for frontline workers, community engagement strategies, and a closer collaboration between health authorities, local communities, Anganwadi workers and Mitanins. ABIS Pahal for a malnutrition-free Chhattisgarh aims to bring behavioural change and create a pull of informed, nourished and healthy individuals. The initiative has been spearheaded by BHMS medical officers and a group of medical councillors at the block and district levels. Monthly OPDs and medical camps for pregnant women and SAM and MAM children help in providing specialized treatment and care. In the first year of the initiative two districts of Rajnandgaon and Maula, Manpur-A-Chowki were selected with target beneficiaries of 10,000 pregnant women and SAM, MAM children (1-6 years) of age.