Factors Influencing Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Programme in AWCs: A Qualitative Assessment in Dibrugarh, Assam

Dr. Ripunjoy Sonowal

Volume : VIII, Issue : VII, July - 2018

Factors Influencing Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Programme in AWCs: A Qualitative Assessment in Dibrugarh, Assam

Dr. Ripunjoy Sonowal

Abstract :

The Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) Programmeaim to reduce the prevalence and severity of nutritional anemia in adolescent population (10–19 years). In Assam, the WIFS coverage remains very low. The present paper is an assessment of the WIFS programme in AWCs for the out–of–school adolescent girls. It attempts to identify the key factors influencing the programme, and to find/suggest suitable measures for the better coverage of the programme. 30 AWCs under Lahowal and Panitola Development blocks, Diugarh district were selected; qualitative data was collected through personal interviews and focus group discussions with the AWWs, ICDS supervisors and the CDPOs of the 02 study blocks.Occasional unavailability of IFA tablets, short supply of WIFS related materials, poor awareness regarding anemia and IFA supplementation, etc. are the key factors. Creating awareness, strict programme implementation and regular supply of IFA tablets is must to make the WIFS programme successful.