Project Sashakt, supported by GAIL (India) Limited, embodied a holistic approach towards tackling anemia, focusing on empowering tribal women and girls with knowledge on health and nutrition in two blocks of Jhabua district. The project was implemented across 14 Gram Panchayats and 9 schools in 2 blocks, Jhabua and Meghnagar. By leveraging existing touchpoints in educational institutions and community, Project Sashakt sought to catalyze lasting change at the grassroots level. With the use of expansive SBCC strategies the project was able to reach out to the adolescents and the community to strengthen the ecosystem.
Central to the project's strategy was the dissemination of essential information on nutrition and health among tribal communities. Project Sashakt endeavoured to foster a culture of preventive healthcare by promoting awareness about the causes and consequences of anemia and sickle cell anemia, addressing the prevalent misconceptions and cultural practices that contribute to its persistence and the promoting knowledge on diet diversity along with other adolescent health concerns.
The project’s objectives and the scope of activities undertaken to achieve them:
Addressing myths and misconceptions among the community regarding anemia was a fundamental aspect of the project’s approach. Through targeted education and awareness campaigns, the project aimed to dispel common myths surrounding anemia. By providing accurate information about the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for anemia, the project sought to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Additionally, efforts were made to challenge cultural beliefs and practices that perpetuated misconceptions about anemia, paving the way for more effective intervention strategies.
The Project used diverse communication channels and contexulized messages which were specifically tailored and curated for adolescents. 4000 school-going adolescents were also informed through 2 animated Audio-Visual, created in an animated format, in coordination with the Department of tribal affairs. These AVs were conceptualized keeping in view the local context, where mascots conveyed the above messages in a user-friendly manner. The videos garnered appreciation from students, teachers, principals, and the Department of Tribal Affairs alike.
By combining education, awareness, and community engagement, the project has laid the foundation for meaningful change in the fight against anemia and sickle cell anemia. The project helped in dispelling myths, educating stakeholders, and strengthening institutional support. The success of the project is demonstrated by improved empirically accurate data analysis in baseline and endline. A significant improvement came out in the indicators of awareness of Anemia and Sickle Cell Anemia, its cause, and symptoms. The impact and meticulous work done by Project Sashakt was also validated through the appreciation and gratitude received from the administration, The Assistant Commissioner, Tribal Affairs, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, is keen on Project Sashakt returning to the region with an expanded scope.
