World Health Day programme was jointly organised by MSSRF’s Village Knowledge Centre (VKC) and the Onangudi village panchayat in Seegampatty village, Pudukkottai District, on April 7. The event was presided over by Mr. K.R. Murugesan, Village Panchayat President, Onangudi, in the presence of Mrs. MekalaMuthu, Chairperson – Arimalam Panchayat Union. Dr. R. Rajkumar, Principal Scientist MSSRF, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the significance of World Health Day (celebrated since 1950).

World Health Day is about improving awareness around general health and well-being, and theme this year is ‘Health for All’. Highlighting the importance of nutritional security in achieving good health, Dr Rajkumar pointed out that Tamil Nadu still has work to do in achieving the standard indexes recommended by the WHO in stunting and anaemia and iterated that it is crucial to raise awareness of food and nutrition. “The VKC, in association with the village Panchayat and other stakeholders, will make efforts to improve the nutritional status of this village,” he added.

During the programme, Dr. Kumaravel, Block Medical Officer, and Ms. Manimegalai, Village Health Nurse, spoke about various aspects of health and sanitation, including preventive healthcare measures. Mrs. T. Vimala, field coordinator, MSSRF, facilitated the programme. Around 150 participants, including farmers, SHG members, and health workers participated. Mr. Renganathan, Secretary of the village Panchayat, welcomed the participants, and Ms. Menaka, Knowledge worker, proposed the vote of thanks.