Health Indicators
Programs
Summary: Phase 2. Initial implementation supported by implementation research
Vitamin Angels conducted a landscape analysis (2021–2022) to assess maternal micronutrient supplementation in India, identifying the need for a comprehensive review of programs and policies. In partnership with INCLEN Trust International, Kirk Humanitarian, Sight and Life, they are synthesizing evidence on deficiencies, reviewing national initiatives, and engaging experts to develop a roadmap for maternal nutrition. Complementing this, formative research in three States and one Union Territory is exploring barriers and enablers to supplementation uptake, with strategies tested through India’s antenatal care system.
Source: HMHB Survey 2021-2023
Dashboard
Implementation Status
Key Program Actors and Partners
Tools and Resources
Summary: Phase 4. Sustained scale-up & integration
India has a long-standing commitment to providing food assistance for vulnerable populations through the Integrated Child Development Services program, which began in 1975. The BEP supplement intervention provides hot-cooked meals or take-home-rations (intervention form varies by state) to pregnant and lactating women. This support is mandated by the National Food Security Act 2013. The food supplies are produced, stored, and distributed by government-owned or contracted private companies to community feeding centers known as Anganwadis. While the BEP supplement intervention is not certified by UNICEF or WFP, all eligible pregnant and lactating women under the social protection program can receive food assistance until six months postpartum along with a cash transfer component ($70-$75 per pregnancy). Organizations such as PATH, UNICEF, Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nutrition International, Plan International, etc. also support the intervention.
Sources: BEP Case Studies, Take-home ration good practices across the states/UTs, ICDS