PTI
New Delhi, August 16
Bharati Pravin Panwar, Union Minister of Health, launched Tuesday a mobile app on parenting that focuses on cognitive development of children in their first two years.
The first 1000 days establish a solid platform for a child’s physical, mental, emotional, cognitive and social health, Pawar said.
India has made significant progress in reducing infant mortality, from 45 per 1000 livebirths to 35 for 1000 live births in 2014 to 35 in 2019, Pawar claimed after launching Paalan 1000 National Campaign and Parenting App. According to a Health Ministry statement.
The Early Childhood Development Conclave launched the app. It will give caregivers practical advice and help parents resolve various questions.
Accentuating the importance of the early phases of a child’s life as its impact can last a lifetime, Pawar said, “The process of a baby’s brain development begins during pregnancy and is influenced by a pregnant woman’s health, nutrition and environment. After birth, apart from the physical growth, a human baby’s brain development paves the way for its future level of intelligence and quality of life.” “We need to understand that the child survival cannot be addressed in isolation as it is intricately linked to the health of the mother. Therefore, the concept of ‘Continuum of Care’, that emphasises on care during critical life stages in order to improve child survival, is being followed under the national programme.”
She explained that the National Health Mission (NHM), a child health program, integrated comprehensive interventions that improved child survival. It also addressed factors which contribute to infant mortality and under-five mortality.
“Hence, our National Health Mission ensures that critical services are made available at home, through community outreach and through health facilities at various levels like primary, first referral units, tertiary health care facilities,” she said.
The ‘Paalan 1000 – Journey of the First 1000 Days’ combines early years coaching for parents, families and other caregivers with services designed to meet families’ basic needs.
Babies and toddlers are shaped and influenced by their experiences, and their caregivers also influence their lives.
A strong start in the early years of life is possible only with the support of caregivers. The statement stated that the program aligns with the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram’s (RBSK) mission, which stresses responsive care and focuses on the first 1000 day.
