With support of Rs 1,600 ensure access to adequate nutrition for pregnant mothers and children in Mumbai

1 out of 4 children under the age of five have less than their ideal weight in the city of Mumbai (NFHS, 2020). Even in urban areas, malnutrition comes in many forms, from going hungry to eating food without necessary nutrients. It can affect children even before they are born.

Nourishment is critical, especially in the early stages of life, for a child as well as pregnant women. If she does not get the right nourishment during pregnancy, it can have a lasting impact on the child. If a breastfeeding mother does not get enough nutrients or is anaemic because of it, the child also lacks what is needed for their growth. This strongly links malnutrition not only to delays in growth but also to different kinds of disabilities.

About Apnalaya

Apnalaya, now in its 50th year, is recognised for its sustained, holistic, and evidence-based work with the urban poor communities of Mumbai. Our urban health care model focuses on nutrition and its impact on the health of mother and child through the use of innovative technological tools.

Apnalaya’s intensive engagement ensures that pregnant mothers and children under the age of two have the necessary information and nutrition. We work with families to identify and support vulnerable populations in order to ensure their access to nutrition, knowledge, and care.

Why should you support Apnalaya?

We worked in over 250 clusters in M ward with 19,844 pregnant women, 11,943 lactating women, and 13,149 children (0–6 years) on nutrition access and information over the last year. In terms of human development indices, M East Ward ranks the lowest in Mumbai. And all of the factors prevalent in these communities increase this population's vulnerability to malnutrition, morbidity, developmental delay, and disability, making our intervention critical.

Apnalaya's aim is to support and ensure the provision of adequate nutrition for pregnant women and children in urban poor slum communities in Mumbai. This type of early intervention is urgent and necessary to help make sure that our children grow up to be healthy members of society capable of building a future for themselves.