Uttar Pradesh’s new nutrition scheme aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality by providing tailored nutritional support to pregnant and lactating women. Targeting vulnerable communities, it addresses malnutrition, anemia, and low birth weight through supplements, counseling, and awareness drives. The initiative aligns with national health goals to improve outcomes for mothers and babies across the state.
Uttar Pradesh Unveils Nutrition Scheme to Enhance Maternal Well-being
Scheme Overview
The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a comprehensive nutrition scheme under the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) framework to improve maternal health outcomes. Launched in 2025, the initiative focuses on providing pregnant and lactating women with essential nutrients, addressing deficiencies like anemia, and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. It integrates with existing programs like the Pradhan Mantri Matrutva Vandan Yojana (PMMVY) and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
Key Objectives
The scheme targets a 50% reduction in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR) by 2029, aligning with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of an MMR below 70 by 2030. It emphasizes early intervention, nutritional counseling, and supplementation to combat malnutrition, which contributes to 68% of child deaths in Uttar Pradesh. The state, with a high burden of anemia (36% of pregnant women), aims to improve access to iron, folic acid, calcium, and Vitamin D supplements.
Implementation Strategy
The program leverages Anganwadi centers and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to deliver services. Key activities include:
Distribution of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) containing 15 essential vitamins and minerals, proven to reduce low birth weight by up to 19% and preterm births by 7%.
Monthly Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days to provide vaccinations, health check-ups, and nutrition education.
Community-based events to celebrate maternal and child health milestones, promoting awareness of dietary needs.
Use of mobile applications like ICDS-CAS for real-time monitoring of beneficiaries’ nutritional status.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups
The scheme prioritizes adolescent mothers and nutritionally at-risk women, who face higher risks of complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. In Uttar Pradesh, only 22% of pregnant women consume iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements for the recommended 100 days, compared to the national average of 44%. The initiative aims to bridge this gap through targeted counseling and free supplement distribution.
Addressing Regional Challenges
Uttar Pradesh faces significant challenges, including a high prevalence of low birth weight and malnutrition, particularly in rural areas. The scheme strengthens referral systems, including ambulance services for pregnant women, and collaborates with public-private partnerships to ensure timely access to healthcare. It also tackles socio-cultural barriers, such as limited decision-making power among women, by involving families in nutrition education.
Impact and Monitoring
Early data from similar programs, like the ICDS, shows improved dietary diversity and nutritional knowledge among beneficiaries. The UP scheme includes robust monitoring through digital tools and regular health check-ups to track progress. A 2023 study highlighted that 76% of women in India, particularly those under 25, suffer from Vitamin D deficiency, underscoring the need for such interventions to prevent complications like rickets in newborns.
National Alignment
The initiative complements national efforts like the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), which provides fixed-day antenatal care, and the Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) program, aiming for zero preventable maternal deaths. By integrating with these frameworks, Uttar Pradesh seeks to create a cohesive ecosystem for maternal and child health, addressing both immediate and long-term health needs.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports, government health initiatives, and nutritional studies from sources like the National Health Mission, UNICEF, and Times of India. Data reflects the latest available information as of September 2025. For medical advice, consult a healthcare professional.