Tue Apr 08 06:20:00 UTC 2025: ## India Launches 7th Annual Poshan Pakhwada to Tackle Malnutrition

**NEW DELHI** – India is launching its seventh annual Poshan Pakhwada (Nutrition Fortnight), a nationwide campaign to combat malnutrition, from April 8th to 23rd, 2025. This year’s focus is on improving maternal and infant nutrition, expanding digital access to nutritional resources, and addressing the growing concern of childhood obesity.

The campaign, a key initiative under the larger Poshan Abhiyaan (launched in 2018), aims to improve nutritional outcomes for women and children across the country. This year’s efforts will leverage the Poshan Tracker, an AI-enabled platform launched in 2021, which provides real-time monitoring of beneficiary nutritional progress and program efficiency. As of February 28th, 2025, all Anganwadi Centers (community childcare centers) in India are registered on the platform, and eligible beneficiaries can now self-register online.

Poshan Pakhwada 2025 will emphasize the critical importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life (conception to age two), promoting maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, and balanced diets. The campaign will also highlight the use of local and traditional nutritious foods, particularly in tribal areas.

A significant advancement this year is the widespread implementation of the Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Protocol. Launched in October 2023, this protocol provides Anganwadi workers with a standardized approach to identify, refer, and treat malnourished children within their communities, effectively transforming Anganwadi centers into frontline nutrition clinics.

The campaign also directly addresses the rising issue of childhood obesity, highlighting the need for healthier lifestyles and reduced consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods. The government continues to push for the replacement of unhealthy snacks and beverages in schools with healthier alternatives.

The government is urging widespread participation, encouraging families to utilize the Poshan Tracker and actively engage in promoting better nutritional practices. Poshan Pakhwada 2025 is not merely an awareness campaign but a comprehensive, technology-driven movement aiming to build a healthier and stronger India.

Read More