New Delhi: The Central Government will launch a new national program on Monday to improve care during the first three years of life. Under this initiative, high-risk newborns and young children will receive enhanced home-based care, including additional follow-up visits by frontline health workers. Health Minister J.P. Nadda will launch the ‘Comprehensive Infant and Child Health Program’ during a meeting of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare. This program integrates existing schemes like ‘Home-Based Newborn Care’ and ‘Home-Based Care for Young Child’ into a unified framework covering children from birth up to 36 months of age.
Introduction of a Risk-Based Care Model
This program introduces a risk-based care model for the first time. High-risk newborns will receive up to nine home visits during the first 42 days of life, while high-risk children will receive up to eight home visits by the age of three. The objective of these additional visits is to ensure early detection of health issues, timely referrals, and better monitoring of vulnerable children. The program will also strengthen coordination among ASHA workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Community Health Officers, and Anganwadi workers through joint home visits.
Infant Health Sessions to be Conducted
Infant health sessions will be organized during Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Days, and monthly infant camps will be held to identify and monitor children requiring additional care. In another significant initiative, the Comprehensive Infant and Child Health Program incorporates postpartum maternal mental health screening into routine community care. It also integrates nutritional care for early childhood development by promoting responsive caregiving, early learning, age-appropriate play, and family engagement during home visits.
