DHEW briefs AWWs, AWHs and ASHA members on PC-PNDT Act.

The programme had the presence of Panchayat NJNP Mr Samten Moktan as the Chief Guest accompanied by CDPO (WCSCDWD) Mr Prabin Silal, Health Education Officer (IEC Cell Jorethang) Mr Sanjay Kumar Rai, Health Educator (IEC Cell Jorethang) Ms Neela Hangma Subba and Staff Nurse (CHC Jorethang) Ms Gaytri Chhetri.

In his address the Chief Guest highlighted the importance of health and advocated the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle in our day-to-day life. Presenting his gratitude to Aganwadi Workers (AWWs), Aganwadi Helpers (AWHs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Mr Moktan acknowledged their role in the development process from pre to post birth and early stages of a child. He stated that their unwavering dedication to provide a mother and her child with quality healthcare and nutrition has garnered accolades for their profession.

The Chief Guest also stressed the need for literacy among the public about PCPNDT Act. He stated that increased awareness programmes to the public about the similar Acts will help tackle the societal norms of patriarchy and gender discrimation, paving the way towards a healthy population with balanced sex-ratio.

Resource person, HEO Mr Sanjay Kumar briefed the attending AWWs, AWHs and ASHA members on the guidelines laid down in PCPNDT Act. He briefed the attendees that the Act represents as a medium to decrease the acts of foeticide (abortion), restricts the modes and methods used for sex determination (gender revelation) during the period of conception by a mother and helps in tackling the decreased fertility rate in the society.

During the programme, IEC materials about Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Mission SHAKTI, One Stop Centres and SANKALP-DHEW were also distributed to the guests and the attendees.