Shillong, August 19: The Meghalaya, Social Welfare Minister, Mrs. Debora C Marak today launched the Weekly Iron Folic Supplements Programme (WIFS) at the premises of Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Williamnagar.
Speaking on the occasion Mrs Marak lauded the Medical Officers and staff for initiating this programme that will benefit the student community. In terms of iron deficiency, Mrs. Marak said healthy adolescent have a better chance of becoming healthy responsible and innovative adults.
She further said that anaemia in adolescent result in poor physical growth, reduced
school performance and concentration in daily task. She also urged the gathering to co-operate with the government in implementing this programme.
The programme was organised by Health & Family Welfare Department in
collaboration with District Social Welfare Office and District School Education Office. It may be mentioned that the programme is aimed at addressing the issue of anaemia, one of the most widespread nutritional disorders in the country.
Most of the adolescents boys and girls suffers from anaemia, primarily a deficiency of essential micronutrients because of poor nutrition. The programme will be implemented in both rural and urban areas and will cover school going adolescent girls and boys enrolled in class VI to XII of government and government-aided schools in the age group of 10 to 19 years
Others who spoke on the occasion were Deputy Commissioner, Williamnagar Mr. V K Mantri, Joint Director, Health and Services, Garo Hills Division, Dr. J C Sangma, Medical & Health Officer and Nodal Officer, Weekly Iron Folic Supplements Programme, Dr. (Mrs). S C Sangma and Father Thomas. As part of the programme painting and essay competition was also organized for the school students. (SP News)
