By Wasim Shaikh
The Silent Crisis: Malnutrition in Nandurbar
Nandurbar, a tribal district in Maharashtra, faces an alarming malnutrition crisis. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), over 48% of children under five in the district are stunted due to chronic undernutrition, while 40% are underweight. Additionally, between April 2022 and May 2023, 9,459 child deaths were reported in 16 tribal districts of Maharashtra, including Nandurbar, with malnutrition and child marriage cited as primary causes. These figures underscore the urgent need for intervention to break the cycle of poor health and limited awareness.
A Desperate Situation: Pooja’s Struggle for Survival
Burkhetpada village, located in the Shelkui Panchayat of Rajbardi PHC, Dhadgoan, is a home to 12-month-old Pooja Dipak Pawara. Born into a family struggling with deep-rooted traditional beliefs, Pooja’s early months were marked by severe malnutrition. Her weight was alarmingly low, and her haemoglobin levels had dropped below five. Her scalp was covered in painful blisters. For three weeks, she suffered from illness, yet she remained untreated, as her grandfather, a traditional healer, insisted on using home remedies rather than seeking medical assistance.
Pooja’s mother, though an Auxiliary Nursing Midwife (ANM), had left after a dispute, leaving her father and grandfather as the sole decision-makers. Despite her worsening condition, the family resisted medical intervention, believing that traditional healing practices would suffice.
Overcoming Resistance and Traditional Beliefs
One of the most significant hurdles in addressing malnutrition in tribal regions like Nandurbar is the community’s deep-seated trust in traditional healing methods. Many families are unaware of the importance of modern healthcare and the consequences of untreated malnutrition. Superstitions, fear of hospitals, and lack of awareness create barriers to life-saving medical treatment. In addition, poverty and lack of access to proper nutrition further worsened the crisis.
Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Modern Healthcare
The Centre for Youth Development and Activities working in collaboration with UNICEF and local health officials, learnt about Pooja’s critical condition through their Community Nutrition Workers (CNWs). Understanding the gravity of the situation, CYDA team immediately began intervention efforts.
- Persistent Outreach: CYDA team visited Pooja’s house everyday for three consecutive days, urging the family to take her to the hospital. Their requests were met with conflict, as the family was hesitant to abandon their traditional healing methods.
- Community Engagement: Recognizing the need for a trust-building approach, CYDA enlisted the help of respected local leaders and influencers to encourage the family to seek medical care.
- Culturally Sensitive Counseling: Instead of outright rejecting the family’s beliefs, CYDA’s team patiently explained how modern healthcare could work alongside traditional practices to ensure the best outcome for Pooja.
A Turning Point: Admission to the NRC
After persistent efforts, the family finally agreed to admit Pooja to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Center (NRC) at the block level. However, her condition was so severe that she was soon transferred to the district-level NRC for advanced treatment. A critical challenge emerged when the hospital’s blood bank ran out of the necessary blood supply for Pooja’s transfusion. In a moment of extraordinary commitment, Mr. Wasim Shaikh, of CYDA stepped forward to donate blood, ensuring that Pooja received the lifesaving treatment she needed.
The Road to Recovery
Under medical supervision at the NRC, he received intensive care for 21 days. During this period:
- Her haemoglobin levels increased from below five to eight.
- Her weight increased by 1.5 kilograms.
- Her blisters healed, and she gradually regained strength.
The transformation was nothing short of miraculous, giving hope not only to Pooja’s family but to the entire village. After the child was discharged from the hospital, Mr. Wasim provided counselling services to her, offering guidance, emotional support, advice on nutrition, medication, hygiene, and follow-up care to ensure a smooth recovery. This helped the mother cope with health-related challenges, understand medical conditions, and adopt better caregiving practices.
Pooja after 14 days of treatment
Empowering the Community: Educating for a Healthier Future
Understanding that long-term change required more than just immediate medical intervention, CYDA conducted a series of follow-up counselling sessions through several home visits, with Pooja’s family and the broader community. These sessions focused on:
- The importance of early medical intervention and regular health check-ups.
- Nutritional guidance, including the benefits of a balanced diet.
- The critical role of Anganwadi centers in child development.
CYDA’s approach emphasized respect for traditional practices while introducing scientifically-backed healthcare knowledge in a way that resonated with the community.
Overcoming Barriers: Changing Mind-sets
One of the biggest challenges CYDA faced was shifting the mind-set of the community. To achieve this:
- They worked closely with local leaders to reinforce their messages.
- They shared Pooja’s recovery story as a real-life example of how modern healthcare saves lives.
- They created support groups for mothers, offering them a safe space to discuss health and nutrition.
- Slowly but steadily, more families began seeking medical assistance for their children, showing a change in traditional views.
The Broader Impact
Pooja’s successful recovery had a profound impact on the community. Families who once hesitated to seek medical treatment began approaching CYDA for guidance. The local Anganwadi center saw an increase in attendance, as more parents started taking their children for regular health check-ups. The intervention saved a life and also sparked a movement towards improved healthcare awareness in the village.
Conclusion: A Model for Future Interventions
Pooja’s journey from the brink of death to vibrant health underscores the critical role of organizations like CYDA in bridging cultural divides and promoting holistic well-being. Their approach—rooted in respect, persistence, and collaboration—serves as a model for addressing malnutrition in similar contexts. T
By honouring traditional practices while introducing modern healthcare solutions, CYDA is paving the way for healthier futures in India’s tribal regions. The success of this case reinforces the importance of education, awareness, and persistent community engagement in tackling malnutrition.
Call to Action
While Pooja’s story is one of triumph, thousands of children in Nandurbar and beyond continue to suffer from malnutrition. The need for sustained efforts in awareness, medical intervention, and nutritional support is critical. By supporting organizations like CYDA & Plan International, and advocating for improved healthcare accessibility, we can ensure that no child is denied the right to a healthy future.
Even after many years, Pooja’s family has never forgotten CYDA, the organization that played a crucial role in restoring her health. Back in 2019, when she was just 12 months old, Pooja received timely support and guidance from Mr. Wasim Shaikh. His generosity went beyond advice—he also donated blood to save her life.
Today, in 2025, Pooja is a healthy and happy child, thriving in Grade I. Though the project has officially ended, its impact continues to be felt. The family remains deeply grateful, cherishing the support they once received. Their gratitude stands as a testament to the sustainability of the initiative—proving that the positive changes brought by CYDA endure long after its formal conclusion.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Plan International for their unwavering support in reaching the unreached and playing a crucial role in improving the health of children in Nandurbar district. Their commitment and resources have been instrumental in making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable families.
Many thanks to Mr. Wasim Shaikh for his tremendous contribution to this initiative. His selfless support and generosity have left a lasting impact, ensuring a healthier future for Pooja and reaffirming the sustainability of this project.
The author is the Program Coordinator at CYDAsustainability of this project.
