CINI recognizes the profound impact of household and community-level health and nutrition education on the lives of the most marginalized. Through our efforts with adolescents, children, and mothers, we've harnessed the power of holistic health and nutrition improvement at the household, community, and service delivery levels.
The CINI Method supports a comprehensive strategy that addresses the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition, maternal and child health, sexual reproductive health and rights, and communicable diseases. At its core, it emphasizes engagement with families and communities, service providers, and elected representatives. By establishing a public health and nutrition service delivery framework, we've created local-level accountability to champion the rights of children, adolescents, and mothers.
Creating ‘Child-Friendly Communities, Systems, and Organizations’ addresses the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition through community-led actions. We collaborate closely with government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and communities to enhance multi-sectoral convergence for better health and nutrition outcomes.
CINI aligns its approach with the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) guidelines and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end malnutrition and promote good health. Our Life Cycle Approach (LCA) focuses on the first 1000 days of a child’s life, aiming to reduce mortality, morbidity, and malnutrition through community-led interventions. We empower communities, healthcare providers, and local governments to prioritize health and nutrition issues, deliver quality services, and advocate for policy change.
1,400,000 pregnant and lactating women were reached to ensure access to services.
5,588 high-risk and nutrition-risk pregnancies were identified and supported.
32,281 front-line workers were reached through capacity building on the first 1000 days of care.
232,529 caregivers were reached with Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) interventions.
1,438 PRI members, Self-Help Groups, and community representatives were sensitized on health and nutrition.
28,356 children were mobilized for routine immunization.
3,205 malnourished children were monitored closely and followed up on, resulting in healthy weight gain for 2,251.
7,015 malnourished children, adolescents, and pregnant women were reached with additional nutritious food.
70% of HIV-infected families were linked with Social Welfare Schemes.
95% of registered pregnant women were tested for HIV in Odisha and Jharkhand and 95% of babies born to HIV-positive parents after 18 months of testing were HIV-negative.
CINI's unwavering commitment to transforming lives through health and nutrition continues to make a tangible difference, paving the way for a healthier, brighter future.
Mahara village in Mdbazar Block, Birbhum, witnessed a remarkable celebration when Priyanath and Arpita joyously welcomed their daughter into the world. Arpita’s pregnancy journey was not a smooth one, as she suffered multiple high-risk conditions- teen age pregnancy, low weight, anemia, requiring specialized care. The Child in Need Institute (CINI) played a pivotal role in her journey, focusing on Maternal and Child Health & Nutrition. Shiuli from CINI provided extensive support to Arpita throughout her high-risk pregnancy, offering crucial pregnancy care, nutrition counseling, and Nutrimix supplements, which enabled her to gain approximately 10 kg during gestation. Under Shiuli’s guidance, Arpita diligently attended all her Ante Natal Care checkups and adhered to prescribed medications. Moreover, CINI provided counselling to Arpita’s family on pregnancy care, nutritional needs for pregnant women, and newborn care. Arpita safely gave birth to a healthy baby girl weighing 2.7 kg, an event considered ordinary until Priyanath and his father, Sadananda, made it extraordinary.
They celebrated the birth of their daughter in grand style, treating her like goddess Laxmi. They decorated a car with balloons, organized a band party, and purposefully orchestrated this celebration to combat prevalent gender discrimination in their community. Their aim was to convey the message that there is no distinction between the birth of a girl or a boy—they are equally valuable. Sadananda expressed admiration for Shiuli’s dedication and was inspired to advocate that girls are in no way inferior to boys.
Through their actions, Priyanath and Sadananda set a powerful example for their community, illuminating a path towards gender equality and inspiring others to follow suit.
Sabira (name changed) is an 11-year-old girl studying in class 5, residing in Margahat II Block, Village: Nainan, South 24 Parganas. Since childhood, Sabira lived with her parents in Mumbai, where they worked as migrant zari workers. When Sabira was 4 years old, her father fell severely ill and the family returned to their village for his treatment. Unfortunately, he passed away within a few days. Shortly after this tragic event, Sabira herself fell ill. After several tests, it was discovered that she was HIV-infected. Subsequently, her mother was also tested and found to be HIV-positive. The family was devastated, fearing they might suffer the same fate as Sabira’s father, which took a toll on their mental and physical health. They became irregular in taking their medication.
Sabira had been enrolled in school, but upon the revelation of her HIV status, she was asked to leave when she was in class 3. The ICTC counsellor informed the IICCHAA project personnel about the family’s situation. After a home visit, it was evident they were irregular in taking their medication. After enrolling in memory work sessions, they gained an understanding of the importance of ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) and began taking it regularly. Sabira received educational and nutritional support. Her mother resumed working as a zari worker, and with educational support, she continued Sabira’s education at home to bridge the learning gap. Currently, Sabira is in class 5 and making progress in her studies. Initially, she couldn’t even write a simple alphabet, but now she can construct full sentences. The IICCHAA project personnel are closely monitoring her ART intake and educational progress.
Razia Perveen, a 25-year-old lactating mother, resides at 5, Marquis Street, Kolkata 700016, Ward no. 52, in a vertical slum with her husband and sister-in-law. They have a 5-year-old daughter, and Razia gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl on 12th February 2024. Razia’s husband, Md Sazid, earns approximately Rs. 10,000 per month from his small shop, while Razia herself is a homemaker.
Razia Perveen, a lactating mother of twins, one with normal birth weight and the other with low birth weight, was initially identified by peer educators from CINI after her discharge from Repose Nursing Home, Kolkata. She delivered the twins via cesarean section on February 12, 2024, weighing 2600 gm and 2000 gm respectively. During her second trimester, Razia learned about her twin pregnancy from a USG report, causing her considerable anxiety due to previous miscarriages and concerns about the delivery.
Following discharge from the hospital, CINI community peer educators provided regular supervision, observing Razia’s dedication to providing 4-6 hours of Kangaroo Mother Care daily. However, upon returning home, Razia struggled with caring for the twins and her older child while managing household responsibilities. CINI peer educators intervened, counseling her family to assist with household tasks and Kangaroo Mother Care, emphasizing newborn care practices, exclusive breastfeeding, maternal nutrition, and the intake of IFA Calcium. They also identified an Alternative Kangaroo Care Provider (AKP) to ensure at least 6 hours of KMC in a day.
Subsequent home visits on February 28, March 6, and March 12, 2024, showed improvement in Razia’s implementation of Kangaroo Mother Care, with her and her family members providing more than 6-8 hours of KMC care and exclusive breastfeeding for both her children respectively. The twins’ weights increased to 2135 gm, 2430 gm, and 2595 gm during these visits, indicating positive progress. CINI team also initiated the Penta1 vaccine for her on March 27, 2024, further ensuring her health and well-being.
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Daulatpur, P.O : Pailan, Via Joka, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, 700104. India
Tel: +91 84204 58926
Email: cini@cinindia.org
Website: cini-india.org
