Introduction
In the small, remote village of Amli, nestled within the Akkalkuwa Taluka, lived an eight-month-old girl named Tanvi Ashok Naik. Born to Ashok and Sumitrabai, Tanvi’s early life was difficult. Her family was poor and relied on their small farm to survive. She lived with her parents and one elder sister. Tanvi’s story took a troubling turn when she began showing signs of severe malnourishment.
Effort to Combat Malnutrition and Illness
At just eight months old, her weight was a low three kilograms—far below the healthy standard for her age. Tanvi had been malnourished for a long time and had also developed pneumonia, a serious illness for a child so weak. The villagers often saw her mother, Sumitrabai, at the local Anganwadi meetings, a gathering space for women and children. During one such meeting, the Anganwadi worker brought Tanvi’s condition to the attention of CYDA’s Community Nutrition Workers.
Despite her critical state, Tanvi’s parents were hesitant to seek proper medical treatment. When CYDA approached them with an offer to admit Tanvi to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre for treatment, they initially hesitated. The parents were reluctant to accept the help, unsure about the unfamiliar setting and the medical intervention being suggested. Ashok and Sumitrabai avoided the workers, choosing instead to focus on their farm duties. Despite their concerns, CYDA continued, emphasizing the importance of immediate care for Tanvi’s condition.
Counseling and Support for Tanvi’s recovery
CYDA conducted counseling sessions with the parents, taking the time to listen to their concerns and extend support in their child’s health. We completely understand your concerns, but please know that the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre is specifically designed to provide the best possible care for children like Tanvi. With specialized attention to both malnutrition and pneumonia, CYDA will ensure that she receives the right treatment to heal and regain her strength. This is a critical moment for her and by allowing her to stay at the center, you are giving her the best chance for a full recovery. We are here to support you in every step of the way. Through these counseling sessions, the parents were able to gain clarity and trust in the support CYDA was offering.
For five consecutive days, CYDA staff visited Tanvi’s home, urging her parents to seek medical help. Each visit ended in silence and reluctance, reflecting the challenges of addressing malnutrition in rural areas. The parents’ fear of the unknown and limited awareness often led them to prioritize immediate survival over long-term health solutions.
On the sixth day, CYDA made another request, emphasizing the seriousness of Tanvi’s condition and the potential consequences of not seeking treatment. Tanvi’s parents finally agreed to admit her to the block-level Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre for care. This marked a turning point in Tanvi’s recovery, made possible by CYDA’s ongoing efforts and the support of the local community. Through these conversations, the parents gradually gained clarity and began to trust the support that CYDA was offering.
Tanvi’s Journey from Malnutrition to Health
The CYDA team also provided ongoing support by monitoring Tanvi’s progress and offering nutritional guidance to ensure she maintained her newfound health. Ashok and Sumitrabai felt reassured knowing that they were not alone in caring for their daughter and were grateful for the CYDA’s involvement in her recovery.
As Tanvi’s health improved, the focus shifted toward preventing further complications. The team helped Tanvi’s family create a healthier environment at home, promoting better hygiene practices and access to clean water. The importance of regular checkups and vaccinations was emphasized to ensure that Tanvi’s immunity remained strong. This continuous follow-up and guidance allowed the family to feel empowered and knowledgeable, strengthening their ability to care for Tanvi’s long-term health.
In the coming months, Tanvi showed remarkable progress, and her parents were filled with hope for her future. They were no longer fearful of the setbacks that once loomed over their daughter’s life. With the support of the CYDA team, they had the resources and knowledge to help Tanvi thrive.
The transformation in Tanvi’s health brought hope not just to her family but also to the entire village of Amli.
Fight Against Malnutrition
Her story became a beacon of awareness about the critical need to address malnutrition and seek timely medical help. The intervention highlighted the deep-rooted challenges faced by rural communities—poverty, lack of awareness and hesitancy to access healthcare. Yet, it also showcased the impact of persistent efforts, collaboration and community involvement.
Today, Tanvi is on the path to a healthier childhood. Her family, once resistant to outside help, now understands the value of healthcare and nutrition. The Anganwadi Tai, CYDA team, and the village sarpanch remain pillars of support, ensuring that other children in Amli do not face the same fate.
Tanvi’s case highlights the importance of early intervention in combating child malnutrition, a key focus of CYDA’s work. It also reflects the challenges faced in rural areas where parents may not always have the resources or knowledge to seek the appropriate treatment. But with untiring support, education and the involvement of community leaders like the sarpanch and Anganwadi tai CYDA could able to turn Tanvi’s story around
(This article is contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation Office, CYDA)
