Nemcha Kipgen kicks off distribution of 'Micronutrients Fortified' food at Kpi

Our Correspondent
KANGPOKPI, Jul 6: With an aim to address health and nutrition issues among infants, children, and pregnant and lactating mothers, Social Welfare Minister Nemcha Kipgen kicked off the first ever distribution of micronutrients fortified energy dense food in the State at Kangpokpi district today.
The distribution function, conducted under the aegis of Social Welfare Department was held at the office premises of Kangpokpi ICDS Project and attended by Minister Nemcha Kipgen, DC Kangpokpi, Somorjit Salam, Joint Director, ICDS Bantee Konthoujam, Deputy Director, ICDS Ela Magdalene, scheme officer, SNP Kh Jogendra, DPO ICDS Cell, Kangpokpi, Miranda Zimik, CDPOs and supervisors of ICDS project Kangpokpi, Saitu and Saikul and Anganwadi workers.
Nemcha Kipgen said that fortification of complementary food is seen as a potent intervention to address child malnutrition and it (food fortification) is recognized as one of the top four methods for reducing micronutrient malnutrition at the global level.
She also said that children must be provided with adequate micronutrients food that includes vitamins and minerals for optimal health, growth, immune function, brain development and other important functions.
The Government of India under Narendra Modi, had made fortification of food by adding essential micronutrients mandatory in Anganwadi centres in 2017 to curb malnutrition, Nemcha pointed out and added that concerned ICDS officials and workers should reach out to the targeted children as per the guidelines. She also instructed the ICDS/CDPO and anganwadi workers to provide the fortified food to the children/beneficiaries while cautioning that befitting action shall be initiated against those violating the guidelines.
The Minister also said that distribution of micronutrients fortified energy dense food will also be carried out in all other districts of the state as well at the earliest.
Distributed under National Social Assistance Programmes, the micronutrients fortified food includes 'Daliya Sweet' and 'Khichidi'. There around 35,000 beneficiaries from 656 Anganwadi Centres with 1,312 workers and 65 Anganwadi Centre (Mini) with 65 mini workers in Kangpokpi District.