Transforming Kandhamal: The Journey to Healthy Villages
In the heart of Kandhamal district, a quiet revolution is unfolding. The “Malnutrition Free village” initiative, driven by the determination of local communities, is transforming lives by building a foundation for sustainable health and well-being. This initiative, aligned with the second LSDG of creating healthy villages, is more than just a health program—it’s a story of empowerment, resilience, and change.
At the core of this transformation are the Sangathans—community groups that have become the architects of their own future. With their leadership, we’ve seen Anganwadi centers flourish in every village, ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against malnutrition. These centers have become beacons of hope, contributing to a noticeable reduction in stunting and anemia rates among women and children.
Infrastructure, often taken for granted, has been a game-changer here. With a 32% increase in concrete roads and nearly half of the villages equipped with soak pits, access to clean drinking water has surged to 87.3% of the population. These improvements have laid the groundwork for better health, making essential services more accessible and reliable.
But the true heart of this initiative lies in the people themselves. The Sangathans have not only revitalized healthcare and Anganwadi centers but have also championed local nutrition and hygiene practices. They’ve distributed health kits to over 21,000 families across 690 villages, ensuring that every household is equipped to take charge of their health.
What makes this journey truly remarkable is the shift in mindset. Communities are no longer passive recipients of aid—they are active participants, recognizing that their health is their priority and their problem to solve. This sense of ownership has turned challenges into opportunities, making the Healthy Village initiative a model for sustainable development.
In Kandhamal, the road to healthy villages is being paved by the very people who call it home. Through their collective action, they are not just achieving the LSDG—they are setting a powerful example of what’s possible when communities lead the way.
At the core of this transformation are the Sangathans—community groups that have become the architects of their own future. With their leadership, we’ve seen Anganwadi centers flourish in every village, ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against malnutrition. These centers have become beacons of hope, contributing to a noticeable reduction in stunting and anemia rates among women and children.
Infrastructure, often taken for granted, has been a game-changer here. With a 32% increase in concrete roads and nearly half of the villages equipped with soak pits, access to clean drinking water has surged to 87.3% of the population. These improvements have laid the groundwork for better health, making essential services more accessible and reliable.
But the true heart of this initiative lies in the people themselves. The Sangathans have not only revitalized healthcare and Anganwadi centers but have also championed local nutrition and hygiene practices. They’ve distributed health kits to over 21,000 families across 690 villages, ensuring that every household is equipped to take charge of their health.
What makes this journey truly remarkable is the shift in mindset. Communities are no longer passive recipients of aid—they are active participants, recognizing that their health is their priority and their problem to solve. This sense of ownership has turned challenges into opportunities, making the Healthy Village initiative a model for sustainable development.
In Kandhamal, the road to healthy villages is being paved by the very people who call it home. Through their collective action, they are not just achieving the LSDG—they are setting a powerful example of what’s possible when communities lead the way.