Three-year-old Mizbah lives in a small room in Sai Baba Nagar with her parents and her younger sister. The family is not financially sound as Mizbah’s father is a daily-wage labourer and works as a waste segregator with a mere income of Rs. 100 per day. Her mother is a housewife.

Mizbah is losing weight at an alarming pace and has become susceptible to illnesses due to poor nutrition, hygiene, and financial instability. Her worsening health condition was a cause of concern for her mother. Therefore, her mother reached out to Bal Raksha Bharat’s health worker, Malti. Mizbah’s mother, Afsana was told to bring Mizbah for a monthly growth monitoring. Soon, it was found that Mizbah fell in the Severely Acute Malnourished category.

Afsana was then asked to attend Bal Raksha Bharat’s Supplementary Feeding Programme (SFP) in which she learnt about the importance of a nutritious diet and some nutritious recipes. She was now well aware and consciously made an effort to prepare nutritious food for her daughter. Mizbah’s health started improving slowly and steadily. Within six months, Mizbah reached a healthy weight range.

Bal Raksha Bharat’s health worker identified Mizbah and provided timely intervention. Now, Afsana is aware of the importance of health, hygiene, and nutritious food. She now attends all the trainings and sessions that are organised by Bal Raksha Bharat. She also actively counsels other women in her community about the importance of breastfeeding and nutritious food.