Key Points:

• AIIMS Bhopal actively participated in the National Nutrition Month, celebrated across the country from 12 September to 11 October 2025.
• The Smart Unit (Severe Acute Malnutrition Advanced Treatment and Research unit) of AIIMS Bhopal organized awareness activities and provided training on preparing nutritious meals using local recipes.
• In collaboration with NHM Madhya Pradesh, a quiz competition was organized for nutrition trainers and nursing staff across the state, in which Dr. Sangeeta Malu and Ms. Neetu Pawar secured first place in the nutrition trainer and nursing staff categories, respectively.
• Prof. (Dr.) Bhavana Dhingra emphasized the necessity of active participation of men in family nutrition for the overall development of children.

AIIMS Bhopal actively participated in the nationwide celebration of Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month) observed from 12 September to 11 October 2025. This year, five key themes were identified for the observance — (1) Obesity control: less oil, less sugar, less fat, (2) Early childhood care and education, (3) One tree in the name of mother, (4) Infant and child feeding practices — with special focus on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, hygiene, and prevention of anaemia, and (5) Men’s participation in family nutrition.

The SMART Unit (Severe Acute Malnutrition Advanced Treatment and Research unit) of the Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS Bhopal, organized various informative and awareness activities to engage women, children, and men in understanding the importance of nutrition. Participants were also taught to prepare nutritious meals for their families and children using locally available food ingredients.

In collaboration with NHM Madhya Pradesh, a quiz competition was held for Nutrition Instructors and Nursing Staff working in the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers (NRCs) across the state. In the Nutrition Instructor category, Dr. Sangeeta Malu from Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Indore, secured the first position; Ms. Prasanna Shrivastava from NRC Shamgarh, Mandsaur, stood second; and Ms. Meenu Sharma from NRC Kailaras, Morena, achieved the third position. In the Nursing Staff category, Ms. Neetu Pawar from NRC–District Hospital, Indore, secured the first position; Ms. Hemlata Soni from NRC Manasa, Neemuch, received the second position; and Ms. Usha Jha from NRC Narwar, Shivpuri, received the third position.

On 9 October 2025, an outreach activity was conducted at the Government Middle School, Amarawat Khurd, Bhopal, where the SMART Unit team shared practical tips with students, their families, and community members about healthy eating, hygiene, and disease prevention.

Prof. (Dr.) Bhavna Dhingra, Nodal Officer of the SMART Unit, emphasized the importance of men’s involvement in child nutrition and care. She said that the active participation of fathers and male members not only enhances children’s physical growth but also strengthens their mental and emotional well-being. She added that when men contribute to nutrition, care, and health-related decisions, families witness significant improvement in overall health and harmony.

Prof. (Dr.) Shikha Malik, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, stated that the goal of a healthy and well-nourished India cannot be achieved without people’s active participation. Therefore, outreach programs like these should be promoted widely. The month-long activities were successfully conducted with the support and active involvement of Dr. Indresh Kumar (Programme Coordinator), Ms. Priya Jiju (ANS), Dr. Ajay Vaidh (JR), Mr. Sunil Kumar Tailor (SNO), Ms. Nidhi (Clinical Nutritionist), and Ms. Jayashree (Feeding Demonstrator).

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