Advancing Public Health, Nutrition & Youth Leadership
1. The Challenge (Context)
Rural and peri-urban communities in Tamil Nadu face a triple burden: poor nutrition, limited access to preventive care, and a rising tide of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Adolescents and women are particularly vulnerable due to significant gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) awareness. Without early intervention, these health deficits perpetuate cycles of poverty, school dropouts, and economic insecurity.
2. Our Strategic Intervention
REAL adopts a preventive, community-owned public health approach. We move beyond simple treatment to focus on early detection and behavioral change. By mobilizing youth, frontline workers, and schools, we create a sustainable ecosystem that integrates nutrition security, mental well-being, and NCD prevention.
3. Key Programs & Initiatives
A. Young Health Programme (YHP)
Supported by AstraZeneca & Partners
A youth-led initiative transforming adolescents from beneficiaries into health ambassadors to address the growing burden of lifestyle diseases.
• Focus: Prevention of NCDs (diabetes, hypertension, obesity), Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRHR), and Emotional Well-being.
• Intervention: Training Peer Educators and establishing Health Information Centres (HICs) to disseminate critical health knowledge.
• Outcome: Empowered youth actively driving healthy choices and referral linkages within their own communities.
B. Kanya Sampurna Project (KSP)
Supported by Corporate & Institutional Donors
A targeted intervention focusing on the nutritional status and overall well-being of adolescent girls, pregnant women, and young children.
• Focus: Maternal, Infant & Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) and Anemia Prevention.
• Intervention: Capacity building for Anganwadi Centres (AWCs), growth monitoring, and promoting diet diversity.
• Scale: Implemented across multiple rural and peri-urban communities with strong community participation.
C. Community Health Outreach
Supported by Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships
Bridging the gap between remote villages and public health systems through direct community engagement.
• Scope: Conducting regular screening camps for blood pressure and blood sugar, along with nutrition counseling.
• Approach: Ensuring early detection of health issues and providing seamless referrals to government hospitals for sustained care.
4.Impact at a Glance
Metric | Achievement |
Youth Leadership | 1,500+ adolescents and youth trained as Peer Health Educators. |
Preventive Care | 10,000+ community members reached through health camps and screenings. |
Behavior Change | Measurable increase in awareness regarding SRHR and NCD prevention. |
System Strengthening | Enhanced operational capacity of local Anganwadi workers and community volunteers. |
5.Partner Showcase
AstraZeneca | Plan India | Corporate Donors | Local Health Departments
