DC Dimapur launches ‘First 1000 Days’ campaign

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal launched the “First 1000 Days of life” campaign in Dimapur district on June 15 at the Conference Hall of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dimapur office.
A press release by CMO Dimapur office stated that the DC, while speaking as special guest, said that the intervention during the first 1000 days of life was not a new concept. He said the medical department has been working hard to provide Antenatal Care (ANC) to pregnant women and that new-born care and immunization services have been going on for many years.
Drawing a comparison to other districts in the State, Jaiswal said that health facilities in Dimapur are more accessible. He said the challenge for far flung areas where health facilities are not easily accessible was to increase their home base services through Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs).
Asserting the importance of involving both parents in child care, Jaiswal asked the health workers to insist the presence of the father/husband during ANC visits. “As parenting is a partnership, counselling of child care should be given to both the parents”, he added.
He also urged the health workers to sensitise the parents on all the schemes given by central or state government during such ANC visits.
Stating that it was not only the responsibility of the department to disseminate information about these schemes, he requested the faith-based organizations, civil societies and NGOs to spread awareness to the public. At the programme, District Programme Officer, RCH/UIP, Dr. Rebecca presented the keynotes of the first 1000 days of life, while consultant (Paediatrician), District Hospital Dimapur, Dr. Wabang Imchen presented the importance of new born care, first six month of exclusive breast feeding, and early childhood development. Senior consultant, District Hospital Dimapur, Dr. Yanrenthung, highlighted the importance of ANC and hospital delivery. DPO Social Welfare Department, Keniekesangulie Zumu, sensitized on Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and nutritional support during the first 1000 days given to pregnant women and child while ADPM, Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), M. Yimoik Phom, sensitized on SBCC through SHG institutions.
District Community Mobilization (DCM), Imlilemla Longkumer highlighted on Village Health & Sanitation Day.
The programme was chaired by deputy chief medical officer, Dr. Antoly Suu, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Dimapur, Dr. Khrielasanuo, also attended the programme. After the launching programme, training on strengthening of ANC services for programme officers, medical officers, staff nurses, community health officers and auxiliary nurse and midwife was held.