Health & Nutrition

Health

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Health care is a core component which cuts across all projects of IPER. Children have a right to treatment when sick as it is one of their basic rights and in line with UN SDG #3.

Children’s health is important because it can impact their lifelong development, including their physical and mental health, learning, and behaviour. Children are more vulnerable to

poor living conditions than adults, such as inadequate health care, nutrition, and safe

water. The health programme at IPER includes medical check-ups on a regular basis, providing treatment in cases of different ailments and referrals when required. Regular bi-monthly Health check-ups were done during the year by Dr. J. Chakma, from RKBSK for children who attended the classes. General ailment like diarrhoea, fever, cough and cold, pain in the ear, tooth ache, skin lesion, worm infestation, etc. were treated. Awareness programme on Menstrual health & hygiene was also held for women and young girls.

Nutrition

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Malnutrition is a widespread problem that negatively impacts the physical and cognitive development of children, leading to long-term health consequences. IPER children enjoy afternoon meal every working day. Children are served a health drink before the classes commence and a mid-day meal every working day. The meal they take at IPER is often the only proper meal they have in a day. A daily routine is followed and accordingly children get fish, soya bean, chicken, egg, lentil & vegetables, along with rice. Often special meals are also arranged for the girls. A daily arrangement of feeding Horlicks for nutritional purpose of the children is on.