Child Health
Day is a national observance in the United States observed on the first Monday
of October annually.
It is rightly
said by John F. Kennedy that “Children are the world’s most valuable resource
and its best hope for the future”. The Wealth of a nation is not in its
economical and natural resources but it lies undoubtedly in the kind and quality
of the health of its children.They will be the creators and shapers of a
nation’s tomorrow.
It,
therefore, becom esessential for every nation and every society to nurture a child’s
development both mentally and physically.It is rightly said that “Charity
begins at home”. Therefore, it is crucial that we ensure the mental and
physical well-being of our children.
Here are a
few ways to nurture a child so as to ensure their mental welfare:
1.
The first and the foremost step involves listening to your child.
This provides comfort and assurance to the child. Make sure to express your
willingness to talk on any subject .
2.
Secondly, it is necessary to acknowledge the uniqueness of your
child. Don't compare the abilities of your child to those of other children. Set
goals based on the child's abilities and interests but at the same time also accept
limitations.
3.
Thirdly , promote your child's independence and self-worth. Help
your child deal with life's peaks and valleys. It is important that parents show confidence in their child's capability
to handle problems and deal with new experiences.
4.
Lastly, it is extremely important to spend time with your child.
Try taking out time for one-on-one activities or indulge in doing simple
activities that both would enjoy.
Do
remember “One child one teacher one book and one pen can change the world.” –
Malala Yousafzai
The steps
taken by the Government to further improve the health condition of children
include the following:
1.Focussed
attention in 184 High Priority Districts for implementation of Reproductive
Maternal Newborn Child Health+ Adolescent (RMNCH+A) interventions for achieving
improved maternal and child health outcomes.
2.Name Based
Web enabled Tracking of Pregnant Women to ensure antenatal, intranatal and
postnatal care and children for immunization to all the children.
3. Mother and
Child Protection Card in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child
Development to monitor service delivery for mothers and children.
4.Engagement
of more than 8.9 lakhs Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to generate
demand and facilitate accessing of health care services by the community
including those for children.
5.Village
Health and Nutrition Days in rural areas as an outreach activity, for provision
of maternal and child health services.
6.Health and nutrition education to promote dietary
diversification, inclusion of iron and folate rich food as well as food items
that promote iron absorption.
7. Put in
place similar entitlements for all sick infants accessing public health
institutions for treatment.
8.
Establishment of Newborn care corners at
all health facilities where deliveries take place; Setting up of Special New
Born Care Units and New Born
Stabilization Units at appropriate facilities for the care of sick newborn
including preterm babies.
9. Promotion
of appropriate Infant and young child feeding practices such as early
initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding and age appropriate
complementary feeding among young children.
10. Launched
IndiaNewborn Action Plan to reduce neonatal mortality and stillbirths.
11.
Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight was observed in August 2014 focussing
on ORS and Zinc distribution for management of diarrhoea and feeding practices.
12.
Integrated Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea launched in four States
(Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan) with highest Child
Mortality.
-Priyanka Dalmia
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