By Our Correspondent
CHOUDWAR/BHUBANESWAR: Kanya Express, an innovative mobile health van was launched by the “Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation” with the aim of addressing Anaemia amongst adolescent girls. Inaugurated by Shri Bhabani Shanker Chayani Collector & District Magistrate – Cuttack on 9th Novemeber’2021 at Office of The Collector, Cuttack, the Kanya Express will regularly check Haemoglobin levels of young girls, facilitate distribution of Folic Acid supplements and impart awareness on anemia related illnesses, nutrition and wellness. BIPF will also provide adolescent girls with seed kits to create a nutri-garden in their household backyard which will help with nutrition supplementation.
Every fifth person in India is an adolescent and from this 50.6% are girls. Adolescent girls are prone to diverse vulnerabilities and 56% are anemic. Low hemoglobin leads to physical weakness, which reduces their chances to learn skills and be productive. Further anemia also leads to difficult pregnancies, complicated childbirth and low birthweight babies who are then prone to several complications.
The “Kanya Express” is a customized mobile health vehicle which will travel to far-flung areas and villages in Cuttack district. This program will cover 53 villages of 9 Gram Panchayats in 2 Blocks of Cuttack in the current year. In addition to haemoglobin checks and folic acid supplements, The Kanya Express Initiative (KEI) is in collaboration with Office of Chief District Medical Officer and District Social Welfare Officer.
Ms. Shaifalika Panda, CEO- BIPF quotes “Kanya Express will be a game changer for adolescent girls helping them to understand nutritional needs and address anemia related challenges. This project has been introduced with an objective to reduce the intergenerational challenges caused due to anemia and poor nutrition and in turn reduce MMR and IMR in the program areas”
While inaugurating the Kanya Express, Shri Bhabani Shanker Chayani Collector & District Magistrate – Cuttack said Press Release Collector : Kanya Express is a highly innovative and welcome step from IMFA & BIPF. The mobile van will reach remote locations and create awareness among adolescent girls on education, health, importance of balanced diet and personal hygiene. This will motivate girls to plan their life ahead and help towards betterment of society. Kanya Express will cover 53 villages of 9 Gram Panchayats in 2 Blocks which is highly appreciative.
