A critical analysis of Supplementary Nutrition Programme under the Scheduled Caste locality Anganwadi Centres in Telangana

Background Malnutrition remains a major public health concern affecting children's growth and development, leading to stunting, underweight, and disease. The Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) implemented through 35,353 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) in Telangana aims to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women, lactating mothers and 7 months to 6 years aged children. Aim To assess the accessibility, quality, and implementation of SNP services in Scheduled Castes (SC) AWCs and identify the reasons for the high prevalence of severely underweight (SUW) children. Methods A total of 42 SC AWCs were selected from four districts of Telangana. Data were collected during December 2018 using structured questionnaires administered to 462 beneficiaries, including 120 pregnant women; 174 mothers of children aged 7 months to 3 years and 168 mothers of children aged 3 to 6 years. Summary Most of the beneficiaries belonged to SCs, few are from Backward Classes and Scheduled Tribes. The majority utilised Government hospitals for institutional deliveries and received benefits under the ‘KCR Kit’ scheme. Regarding the One Full Meal programme, most are satisfied with food items, but some reported delays in food supply. Regular distribution of Balamrutham and eggs was observed in most centres. Nearly half of the AWCs had a low percentage of SUW, and the highest prevalence was observed in Bhadradri district. The highest prevalence of SUW children is attributed to Anganwadi Teacher mishandling of supplementary food, intra-household sharing of food, poor accessibility, staff shortages, inexperienced AWTs and weak monitoring.