Mysuru: CSIR-CFTRI launched a nutrition intervention initiative aimed at improving the nutritional status of the Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) children in Mysuru with the participation of Women and Child Development Department, Government of Karnataka and Spirulina Foundation, Tumakuru.

About 140 SAM children identified by the District Administration will be provided with Weekly Packs consisting of selected nutrition supplements such as Spirulina Chikki, High Protein Biscuits, High Protein Rusks, Energy Food along with Sesame Paste (burfi), Fortified Mango bar etc. for a period of 6 months. The children will be served with one of these supplements every day to enhance their macro and micro-nutrient status.

The programme was launched by distributing the Weekly Packs to selected children in the presence of parents by chief guest A.M. Yogesh, Mysuru Zilla Panchayat CEO, on Dec. 6.

In his inaugural speech, he expressed confidence that with proactive measures by both State Government Departments and CSIR-CFTRI, this programme would be a right step in addressing malnutrition in the district.

He also urged to undertake the case of Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) children, which numbers around 5,000 in the district in near future.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sridevi A. Singh, Director, CSIR-CFTRI outlined the successful implementation of similar kind of nutrition interventions by the Institute for 250 Anganwadi children in Nanjangud taluk during 2016-17.

She said that the programme could be replicated in other districts with mobilisation of adequate resources by State Government through CSR channel.

Mahesh, Founder Director, Spirulina Foundation; Dr. K.H. Prasad, DHO; Dr. M.S.Jayanth, RCHO; Basavaraj, Deputy Director, Women and Child Development Department and Dr. Alok Kumar Srivastava, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru spoke on the occasion.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Head, Information and Publicity welcomed. Anita, Sr. Technical Officer, proposed a vote of thanks.