Shillong, Aug 22: A new video released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has spotlighted Meghalaya’s ambitious program to strengthen early childhood development and maternal mental health, launched in 2023 with support from ADB and the Government of Japan. The initiative focuses on the first 1,000 days of life, considered the most critical period for child growth and development.
According to the video, Meghalaya—despite having nearly 6,000 Anganwadi centres—still needs at least 1,000 more to reach hard-to-access villages in the state’s mountainous terrain. The program is designed to close this gap while upgrading existing facilities with climate-resilient daycare centres and nutrition gardens.
As the program unfolds, Meghalaya is set to provide supplementary nutrition to all pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children from six months to six years. It will also train more educators with a focus on gender equality and social inclusion, while expanding maternal mental health services through perinatal visits and counselling. The initiative aims to support double the number of children, with special emphasis on reaching girls in underserved communities, and to foster parenting communities that encourage play-based learning and positive family engagement.
ADB said the program represents a shift from basic service delivery to a holistic approach integrating health, nutrition, education, and mental well-being, addressing persistent challenges such as high maternal mortality, postpartum depression, child stunting, and anaemia.
The collaboration between ADB, Japan, and the Government of Meghalaya, the video noted, is expected to give every child in the state a healthier and more equitable start in life.
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