ROLE OF ANGANWADI CENTERS IN HEALTH AND NUTRITION FOR PREGNANT WOMEN WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MORIGAON DISTRICT OF ASSAM

Abstract

Maternal health and nutrition during pregnancy are vital for reducing maternal and child mortality. Anganwadi Centers under the ICDS scheme play a key role in delivering health services and nutritional support to pregnant women, especially in rural areas. This study titled "Role of Anganwadi Centers in Health and Nutrition for Pregnant Women with Special Reference to Morigaon District" was conducted in Bhurbandha village, Morigaon district, Assam with 30 respondents. The objectives were to examine the role of Anganwadi Centers in providing health and nutrition, assess the level of awareness among pregnant women, and suggest practical measures for improvement. Findings reveal that 43% of respondents were in the 23-27 years age group and 36.67% had passed HSLC. Regarding service utilization, 63.33% of pregnant women regularly visited Anganwadi Centers and 60% regularly received supplementary nutrition. In terms of awareness, 56.67% were fully aware about antenatal care. However, 26.67% of respondents still faced financial difficulties that affected their access to nutrition and healthcare. The study concludes that Anganwadi Centers are effectively contributing to maternal health and nutrition, but challenges like financial constraints and gaps in awareness need to be addressed. Recommendations include regular supply of nutrition, better training for workers, and increased community and family involvement for improved outcomes.