Nandurbar, a tribal-dominated district in Maharashtra, is one of the worst-affected regions in the state when it comes to child malnutrition. Over 40% of children under five are undernourished, many suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). In remote villages, where healthcare facilities are scarce and access is delayed, malnutrition often leads to life-threatening complications.
Families in this region live under severe economic stress. Most depend on seasonal migration for work, travelling long distances to Gujarat to work in sugarcane fields. These long absences from home interrupt essential health services, like immunisations, nutrition follow-ups, and growth monitoring. Basic needs such as clean drinking water, sanitation, and access to healthcare are still unmet for many, making tribal children especially vulnerable to disease and malnutrition.
To address this situation, CYDA, with support from Plan International, initiated community-based interventions to combat child malnutrition in the remote villages of Nandurbar. One such village was Mukhdi (Danel), where CYDA’s field team, under the leadership of Mr. Wasim Shaikh, Project Coordinator, documented the recovery journey of a child named Pawan Gomarya Padvi-a journey that reflects the power of timely intervention and consistent support.
Living on the Edge: Pawan’s Background
Pawan, a 17-month-old boy, lived with his family in Mukhdi village. His mother, Mrs Rita Gomarya Padvi, was pregnant with her tenth child. Rita, already a mother of nine, was pregnant with her tenth child, highlighting the limited awareness about family planning in the community. The burden of caring for many children, combined with limited access to health services, made it more challenging to ensure proper care for young ones like Pawan. The family’s livelihood was derived from seasonal work, primarily sugarcane harvesting in Gujarat. These frequent migrations disrupted the continuity of health and nutrition services for Pawan and his siblings.
During their stay in Gujarat, Pawan’s health began to decline. What started as fatigue and a persistent cough soon developed into something more serious. He lost his appetite, grew visibly weak, and started having difficulty breathing. His family, already grieving the loss of other children in the past, feared he might not survive either. By the time the family returned to the village, Pawan’s condition had worsened. His mother, overwhelmed by responsibilities and unaware of the severity, delayed seeking treatment.
Recognising the Signs: CYDA Intervenes
When the local Anganwadi centre noticed Pawan’s condition, they conveyed it to CYDA’s field team. Trained to identify symptoms of severe malnutrition, the team responded immediately. They visited the family, explained Pawan’s health risk in simple terms, andprovided emotional support. His mother was counselled about the importance of timely nutrition and medical intervention.
Pawan was referred to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Akkalkuwa block. There, he was admitted to intensive care. The medical team began a specialised nutrition plan, monitored his progress daily, and ensured his body responded to the treatment. While the medical team took care of Pawan, CYDA stayed connected with the family, providing regular food supplements, maintaining follow-up visits, and offering counselling on maternal health and hygiene.
Recovery Phase:
After 14 days of focused care at the NRC, Pawan’s condition showed remarkable improvement. His weight increased by 1.5 kg. He began eating better and regained energy. The doctors declared him fit for discharge, but the follow-up process was carefully planned. The team maintained close contact with the family. Health workers visited regularly to ensure Pawan continued to receive nutritious meals and did not relapse into malnutrition. A significant outcome of this process was the shift in the family’s mindset. Through multiple counselling sessions, Rita began to understand the long-term health risks of frequent pregnancies. After delivering her tenth child, she voluntarily chose to undergo sterilization, a challenging but responsible decision that could ensure better care for her existing children.
Building Impact at Scal
Pawan’s story reflects the situation of hundreds of children in the tribal areas of Nandurbar. Some key outcomes from their work include:
⚫ Over 1,500 children affected by malnutrition have been treated and rehabilitated.
⚫ Increased awareness about breastfeeding, early childhood nutrition, and maternal care.
⚫ More families are adopting family planning methods, especially in large households.
⚫ Anganwadi and healthcare systems have become more active in reaching remote families.
The intervention model-identification, referral, treatment, and follow-up-is now being used across several blocks in Nandurbar. It focuses not only on treating malnutrition, but also on preventing it by addressing its root causes: poverty, lack of awareness, and limited access to services.
A Step Towards a Healthier Tomorrow
Pawan’s journey from severe malnutrition to stable health is not just one child’s story-it is a story of what’s possible when healthcare, counselling, and consistent support come together. It reflects how community-led approaches, when sustained over time, can break the cycle of sickness and loss. Though Nandurbar still faces challenges, efforts by CYDA, supported by Plan International, are bringing visible change. With continued investment in maternal and child health, more children like Pawan can live healthier, fuller lives. In the fight against malnutrition, early action saves lives. And each saved life is a powerful step towards a healthier, stronger generation
