KANYA EXPRESS: An Initiative of Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) to Combat Anaemia among Adolescent Girls
Dr.Badal Tah,Odishabarta
Rayagada, August 12: The Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF), Civic Action Arm of M/s IMFA Ltd has expanded its reach through Kanya Express, a mobile health unit on wheel with an innovative approach at micro level aimed at addressing anaemia among adolescent girls. Launching of this programme was done in Therubali based on the outcome of the programme already implemented since 2021 in Cuttack & Jajpur districts in Odisha as a support to Government’s Anaemia Mukta Bharat (AMB) initiative, which benefited 9977 girls spread over 158 villages.
The Kanya Express will cover 92 villages across 9 peripheral Gram Panchayats of Therubali area and serve as a crucial tool in combating anaemia among adolescent girls. The components of this programme includes regular checking of haemoglobin level, distribution of Iron Folic Acid supplements and De-worming tablets in convergence mode, awareness generation among girls on nutrition supplementation, personal hygiene practices, reproductive and personal rights and responsible health-seeking behavioral change and communication and provision of seeds kits for backyard kitchen garden ensuring access to bio-nutrition.
The launching ceremony was graced by Sri Bhimasen Sabara, Sub-Collector, Rayagada as chief guest and flagged off the KANYA EXPRESS. Govt Officials from district and block level such as Sri.Goura Chandra Pattanayak, BDO, Kolnara, Sri.Lal Mohan Routray, CDMO, Rayagada, Smt.Bijay Laxmi Sahu, CDPO, Kolnara were present in the launching ceremony as honorable guests.
Ms. Shaifalika Panda, CEO of BIPF, has expressed her happiness on expansion of Kanya Express in Therubali area after successful implementation of the programme and it’s positive impact on adolescent girls in Cuttack and Jajpur District enhancing awareness among adolescent girls on anaemia-related illnesses, balanced nutrition and reproductive rights. It can lead to benefits beyond health & improve enrolment for higher education and continuity of education leading to a productive future.
The sub-collector has appreciated the Kanya Express program and requested the management to extend the program throughout the district in a phased manner. The CDMO expressed his happiness that KE will strengthen its intervention in rural area.
The Sarapanch, Samiti Members of Peripheral GPs, eminent persons, Opinion Makers, Social Workers and Sri M.Srinivas GM, Sri.Kalol Kumar Nayak, DGM and Dr.P.K.Kar, Medical Officer of IMFA were present in the programme. Sri Shakti Prasad Panigrahi, Sr.Manager (PR), IMFA, Therubali extended a thanks to the guests and the participants.
