Improve implementation of I.C.D.S
Aijaz, R.
Yojana 31(16): 24-27
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-0515 PMID: 12281258 Document Number: 355613
A baseline survey was conducted in 1977-78 and a repeat survey in 1982 to evaluate the extent of coverage of the target group and the impact of the Integrated Child Development Services (OICDS) program in 8 blocks comprising 3 rural, 3 tribal, and 2 urban units in the States of Karnataka, Rajasthan, Nagaland, and the Union Territory of Delhi (India). The services provided by the program included supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-up referral services, nutrition and health education, and non-formal education. The survey showed that supplementary nutrition was the most popular service component. The percentage of children (1982) in the 0-6 age group enrolled for supplementary feeding was 54. 310 families were interviewed to determine their opinion of the program. Supplementary nutrition was provided to children below age 6 and nursing and expectant mothers from low income families. Nutrition and health education was to be given to all women 15-45 years. Yet, health and nutrition education was conspicuously absent in most of the centers, and the anganwadi workers were unaware of the methods to be used to provide this component. Awareness about health and nutrition education was very low among the surveyed households. 8 of the 58 centers (14%) reported use of fresh vegetables in the supplementary nutrition program. The awareness among the 310 families interviewed regarding the benefit of the schemes was poor, but 81% who reported supplementary feeding to be in operation at the centers indicated that the food supplements helped growth among children. The data on immunization coverage for children revealed a better performance than that reported by the Program Evaluation Organization (1982).