New Delhi, May 28, 2024: A nutrition programme designed by health and wellbeing company Amway to address childhood malnutrition through education and supplementation has led to significant rise in haemoglobin (Hb) levels among children, the company said.
Marking World Nutrition Day, Amway India released the impact report of its nutrition program, 'Power of 5'. The report showed a significant improvement with the rise in haemoglobin (Hb) levels among children, with over 54% with iron deficiency shifting to the normal category.
The program, aimed at fostering a healthier nation and tackling childhood malnutrition, has achieved a significant milestone benefitting over 5,00,000 individuals, including 1,00,000 children through nutrition education and intervention. In 2023-24 alone, it reached over 3,70,000 individuals, including children, mothers, caregivers, surpassing the previous year's progress.
Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, Amway India, remarked, “The Power of 5 program stands as a testament to our impact-driven approach to addressing the critical issue of childhood malnutrition, reflecting our unwavering commitment to fostering a healthier India. Aligned with the Government's National Nutrition Mission, our program has positively influenced the lives of as many as 5,00,000 individuals since 2018.”
“This impact is profound, and we are proud of the role we have played in this catalysing positive change across communities for a healthier future. As we celebrate the World Nutrition Day, and in line with our commitment to helping people live better, healthier lives, we are poised to extend our reach and make an even greater impact in addressing malnutrition across the nation. Our core objective remains steadfast – to lend our unwavering support in building a healthier India, with the goal of enabling people to expand their health span and secure a brighter future,” he said.
Amway India launched its globally acclaimed community-based program 'Power of 5' in 2018 aimed at sensitising communities including mothers and caregivers of children under six years to improve their nutritional status. To address nutrition inequities in children, the campaign offers holistic solutions to create awareness and implement educational interventions at the grassroot level.
The program offered comprehensive nutrition education in key locations like Sohna, Nuh, Tauru, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. The project reached 4,000 children aged 3 to 6 in Sohna, Nuh, and Mumbai, effectively addressing micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency, anemia.
Results from the end-line study showed a remarkable up to 60% increase in average haemoglobin levels. A baseline and endline study involving 9,150 malnourished children revealed significant effectiveness, with most shifting to the normal category with nutrition education. Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in underweight children: 57% in Tauru, 53% in Sohna & Nuh, 44% in Mumbai, 27% in Kolkata, and 17% in Chennai.
