Evaluation of Functioning of Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers : The effect of NRCs in improving nutritional status of admitted children: an assessment from Madhya Pradesh (India)

Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers (NRCs) are an important intervention measure aimed at treating severe acute malnutrition. The state of Madhya Pradesh in India has institutionalized NRCs in a big way to treat 1.3 million severely malnourished children in the state. The present study conducted from November 2008 - October 2009 analyzes the effect of the nutritional measures undertaken at 7 select NRCs from 6 districts of the state in improving the nutrition and health status of the admitted children. The study looks into the knowledge and practices of the service providers at the NRCs on various components of malnutrition including the roles and responsibilities undertaken by them at the NRCs. Mothers of the admitted children have been interviewed to assess their awareness and knowledge regarding feeding practices at the NRCs and their perception on services provided at the NRCs. The study results aim at streamlining the functioning of NRCs and enabling them to effectively cater to the needs of the malnourished children.