Shakti Kit - An Initiative to support malnurished pregnant women with nutritional supplements

Pregnancy is a phase of women that is enjoyable. But, what happens when one faces problems due to the pandemic? Their husbands have lost jobs, some already have children to take care of while others do not have enough money to take care of themselves or their developing baby. Millions of pregnant women suffer from iron and other nutritional deficiencies that can lead to complications of various severities. Iron deficiency leads to defects in the baby while it leads to anaemia in pregnant women, dizziness, weakness and can leave them feeling exhausted and tired. During pregnancy, there is a need to get double the amount of iron than non-pregnant women. Their body needs this iron to produce more blood to supply oxygen to the developing baby.

48% of women in Karnataka are anaemic, including 22% with mild anaemia, 23% with moderate anaemia, and 3% with severe anaemia. Two-thirds of children age 6-59 months are anaemic.

To support anaemic pregnant women with nutritional supplements, the shakti kit programme was initiatied by The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Women have distinct nutritional requirements throughout their life – especially before and during the maternal period, when nutritional vulnerability is greatest. Ensuring women have nutritious diets, adequate services and care is fundamental for the survival and well-being of mothers and their children.

•       National Family Health Survey in 2019 revealed that 50% of reproductive age women are anaemic in India

•       Children born of anaemic mothers suffer from low birth weight, poor cognitive development, and low immunity

The aim of this project is to provide Shakti kits to pregnant women in Karnataka, with the long-term goal of eliminating malnutrition and anaemia, which not only affects the mother, but also the birth and growth of their children. An official communication from the Office of the Chief Secretary has been received by Akshaya Patra for this programme.

Akshaya Patra distributes Shakti kits priced at ₹825 to nourish pregnant women with the required nutrients. With each kit, a pregnant mother will receive the following items that can take care of food requirements for 15 days. Every Shakti kit will ensure a boost in the immunity of pregnant mothers and women.

Only a strong immunity will help them prepare to fight any disease or virus. Good nutrition and healthy food intake during the antenatal period are critical for expecting mothers. Eating food rich in fibre, iron and calcium, etc. can decrease the risk of congenital diseases and nutritional deficiencies in newborns.

As on 30 September 2021, Akshaya Patra distributed 5,350 Family Happiness Kits to malnourished pregnant women from marginalised and low-income segments of the society. Each kit distributed will take care of nutritional requirements of these women while also providing supplements to the developing baby. The Shakti kit priced at ₹825 will be packed with Pulses and Malt-based Protein Mix, Ayurvedic Immunity builder, Protein Porridge Mix Pack, Peanuts, Green Moong, double fortified salt, turmeric powder and masks.