MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

47% of Indian children under 3 years are malnourished
51.8% of Indian women in the age group of 15 - 49 years are anaemic.*
(*Source: UNICEF Reports 1999-2002- Challenges & Opportunities)

Concerned about these alarming statistics, Nalamdana
began a Communications Research Project, Food for Thought.
Earthwatch Institute, Boston, helped support this research project
from 2001 - 2006. The project began with baseline research in
the city slums and in villages, to determine the misconceptions and
knowledge gaps about nutrition among young mothers and
adolescents. This extensive research included information about
regional dietary practices, food availability, and household economics.
That information allowed Nalamdana to develop alternate solutions
in communications strategy and to explore interactive methods
of reaching the target audience.

Nalamdana developed scripts and materials for field testing,
after which they were disseminated through strategic partners
and other NGOs. The Earthwatch Project was unique in that it worked
through support from volunteers from across the globe, who signed
up for two weeks at a time and worked with the Nalamdana team
in the field. Nalamdana continues to work on this very important
issue. Earthwatch support for this project concluded in 2006, so
Nalamdana is seeking support for its ongoing programs with village
women's groups and for the, frequently requested, pre natal
community drama.

CURRENT/ONGOING
PROJECTS >>

SOUTH INDIA
GIRL CHILD PROJECT >>

HIV AIDS >>

STUDENT LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM >>

EDUCATION AND
COMMUNICATION
MATERIALS >>

VIDEO >>
Project Nambikki:
addressing post tsunami
rehabilitation issues
through innovative
popular theatre