ABSTRACT
Southern Rajasthan faces significant challenges related to malnutrition, morbidity and mortality, particularly among its tribal population. Public health systems in the region are ineffective, leading communities to rely on traditional healers or quacks for medical care. Moreover, migration, small land holdings and rain-dependent agriculture exacerbate the situation by limiting access to nutritious foods. Within this context, Basic Healthcare Services operates through a network of AMRIT Clinics, phulwaris and a Primary Health Centre (PHC), aiming to address the health needs of the population. Nutrition has emerged as a crucial determinant of health, prompting an integration of various nutrition initiatives into primary healthcare efforts. The chapter focuses on the integration of nutrition initiatives within primary healthcare in Southern Rajasthan. Through December 2023, significant progress has been made, including providing daycare services to 1,577 children at phulwaris, growth monitoring of over 1,000 children under three annually, community-based treatment of 2,648 children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), and treatment and nutrition support for 4,036 tuberculosis (TB) patients. The results indicate notable improvements, including a reduction in wasting levels among phulwari children from 30% to less than 10% and improvements in the nutritional status of children treated for severe acute malnutrition and patients of TB. These outcomes underscore the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating nutrition interventions into primary healthcare settings. The study highlights the transformative potential of integrating nutrition into primary healthcare systems, not only in Southern Rajasthan but also in similar backward areas, and holds promise for improving health outcomes and addressing the multifaceted challenges of malnutrition.
