Bhubaneswar, October 12, 2018: The Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI) and Sakha, a Bhubaneswar-based organisation with technical support from Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) has launched a first of its kind innovative community media initiative to promote behaviour change among pregnant and lactating mothers through the largest transgender network of Odisha.
In the first phase, this proposed unique community theatre based initiative will start from tribal dominated Rayagada district.
The initiative will be implemented under the Odisha Multi-sector Nutrition Action Plan (ONAP).
“It’s always my pleasure to work for the ones at the margins and give them opportunity. The members of ‘Sakha’ came to meet me to share their joy of bagging this project. Extremely Proud!,” said KISS founder and Rajya Sabha member Achyuta Samant.
The ONAP was prepared through consultation with concerned departments dealing with food security, nutrition, agricultural productivity, sanitation, health and maternity care.
Notably, the State Government had entered into an agreement with Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI) in 2016 to reduce the malnutrition rate and ensure development of women in the State.
The ONAP is being carried forward in joint collaboration between the State Government of APPI.
As per the agreement, APPI will spend about Rs 300 crore towards eradication of malnutrition and development of women in the State over a period of 8-10 years, sources said.
