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Positive deviance--the West Bengal experience.

P Mustaphi¹, M Dobe

¹UNICEF Kolkata Field Office.

Indian Journal of Public Health

|February 17, 2006

Summary

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The "Keno Parbo Na" project, using the Positive Deviance approach, successfully reduced child malnutrition in West Bengal. This community-based initiative promoted local solutions and behavioral changes, showing visible improvements and closing the gender gap in nutritional status.

Area of Science:

Public Health
Nutrition Science
Community Health

Background:

West Bengal faces a severe child malnutrition crisis, with high rates of underweight, stunting, and wasting in children aged 0-3 years.
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program aims to address malnutrition but seeks innovative, sustainable, community-based approaches.
The Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD) is actively identifying and replicating successful interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the effectiveness of the "Keno Parbo Na" project, which utilizes the Positive Deviance (PD) approach.
To assess the project's impact on reducing and preventing malnutrition among children under three years of age.
To understand the role of local solutions, behaviors, and community mobilization in addressing child malnutrition.

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Main Methods:

The study employed the Positive Deviance (PD) approach, focusing on identifying and scaling local, successful practices.
Behavior change was facilitated through participatory learning and community mobilization strategies.
The pilot phase was implemented in two districts (Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas) across four blocks and 32 villages/Anganwadi Centers (AWCs).

Main Results:

The project increased community awareness and visibility of malnutrition issues and prevention strategies.
Acceptance and adoption of desirable health and nutrition-related behaviors were observed within the community.
A steady reduction in moderate and severe malnutrition levels was noted, with a notable closing of the gender gap over time.

Conclusions:

The Positive Deviance (PD) approach, as implemented by the "Keno Parbo Na" project, is an effective community-based strategy for reducing child malnutrition.
Focusing on local resources and behavioral changes can lead to sustainable improvements in child nutritional status.
The project demonstrated success in addressing malnutrition and reducing gender disparities in health outcomes.