Maharashtra was the first state in the country to take a decision to tackle malnutrition in ‘Mission – mode’ and with this purpose, Rajmata Jijau Mother – Child Health & Nutrition Mission was established. The first phase of the Mission was set up in 2005, and the second phase started in 2011 and third phase in 2017. The aim of the Mission is to reduce child malnutrition in Maharashtra by focusing on the child’s first 1000 days from conception.
The Rajmata Jijau Mission works as an autonomous technical and advisory body fully funded by UNICEF. It aims at improving convergence and coordination between Public Health Department, Govt. of Maharastra and ICDS Commissionerate.
The role of the Mission is well-defined to avoid any confusion and duplication with the role of Department of Women and Child Development. In Maharashtra, a deliberate decision was taken not to fund the Mission through the state budget, and not to implement any schemes directly through the Mission. This enables it to function with freedom and autonomy.
Health: – Prenatal care for pregnant women (special attention to underweight / anemic women), Newborn care and special focus on health, diet, immunization of children up to 0-3 years of age, Conducting workshops at taluka beat level to create awareness among the people, and coordinating with the health department from time to time regarding pregnancy care
ECCE Policy: – To implement the revised policy of pre-primary education for the beneficiaries in the age group of 3-6 years coming to Anganwadi
To co-operate with the Public Health Department through capacity building programs to implement Intensive Management of Neonatal & Childhood Illnesses and Home Based New-born Care on an experimental basis in selected Primary Health Centers in selected districts of the State
To reduce child marriages by paying special attention to the education, health and nutrition of adolescent girls
To create a people’s movement through public participation to reduce the incidence of malnutrition by publicizing the programs of the mission through the media and to create awareness about diet, Infant Young Child Feeding practices, and health aspects
