Child & Family Health

Health-Based Child Development

Healthy children develop optimally across physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains. The MECDM program integrates systematic child development monitoring through the GMCD tool alongside comprehensive health assessments and digital tracking systems to ensure early identification and intervention.

Our approach combines evidence-based assessment tools (CREDI, IDELA, HOME-SF, KAP Tools) with real-time digital monitoring via the CLL-Kobo App. We also prioritize maternal mental health and infant-young child feeding practices through PHQ-4, IYCF, and FANTA questionnaires. Led by the Health Department in collaboration with MECDM and partner organizations, we ensure comprehensive, data-driven health interventions.

GMCD Tool — Guide for Monitoring Child Development

A core health monitoring tool used across Meghalaya for tracking child development. The updated English GMCD tool (June 2025) enables systematic health monitoring and data collection via Front Line Facilitators.

The GMCD training methodology uses a cascade approach where state-level trainers first equip block coordinators, who then lead cluster-level training for Front Line Facilitators. The training includes interactive modules on tool administration, data quality checks, interpretation of findings, and appropriate referral pathways for children with developmental concerns. Four PPT modules cover developmental domains, age-appropriate assessments, common challenges, and using data for action planning. By January 2026, cluster trainings had equipped 100+ FLWs across all districts with competencies to conduct systematic, quality child development monitoring that feeds into both facility-level action and state-level nutrition and health planning.

• Updated English GMCD tool (June 2025)
• GMCD pilot data collection via FLW
• Flipchart + 4 PPT training modules
• Cluster training program (Jan 2026)

Impact Evaluation Tools & Assessments

Comprehensive assessment tools to measure child development, dietary practices, feeding behaviors, and maternal mental health across different age groups in Meghalaya.

The multi-tool assessment approach uses complementary instruments to capture different dimensions of child development and well-being. CREDI measures cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional development; IDELA assesses foundational learning skills; HOME-SF captures environmental quality; and KAP tools assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices across caregivers. By using multiple tools, the evaluation captures a holistic picture of child development while providing redundancy for validity. Instruments are available in English and local languages (Jaintia, Khasi versions), ensuring linguistic appropriateness. The 8+ tools deployed across all age groups from 0-6 years allow systematic tracking of program impact across the full early childhood period.

• CREDI (English & Jaintia versions)
• IDELA (International Development Assessment)
• HOME-SF Scales for home environment
• KAP Tools for 3 age groups (0-1.5, 1.5-3, 3-6 years)

Maternal Health & Nutrition Monitoring

Supporting maternal mental health and infant feeding practices through standardized assessment tools and questionnaires for early intervention and nutrition support.

Mental health screening is integrated into routine nutrition and health monitoring, recognizing the critical link between maternal mental health and child development outcomes. The PHQ-4 questionnaire enables Front Line Facilitators to screen for depression and anxiety in mothers, with pathways for counseling support or referral to specialized mental health services. IYCF and FANTA questionnaires capture feeding practices and dietary diversity, providing data to inform nutrition counseling and supplementary nutrition program improvements. This integrated approach ensures that maternal well-being—cognitive, emotional, and nutritional—is systematically monitored and addressed as part of comprehensive early childhood development support.

• PHQ-4 for maternal mental health screening
• IYCF Questionnaire for 0-2 years feeding
• FANTA Questionnaire for dietary diversity (3-6 years)
• Evidence-based nutritional guidance

Digital Health Monitoring

Leveraging technology for real-time health data collection and monitoring. The CLL-Kobo App enables Front Line Facilitators to digitally track child health metrics and outcomes.

The CLL-Kobo app represents a seamless integration of digital tools into community health monitoring systems. Built on the Kobo open-source platform, the app allows Front Line Facilitators to administer assessments (GMCD, CREDI, IDELA, KAP tools) on tablets or smartphones, with automatic data capture and real-time synchronization. The centralized digital system enables supervisors to monitor data quality, identify outliers requiring follow-up, and generate real-time dashboards for decision-making. All blocks in Meghalaya are now connected through this integrated platform, creating a state-level health information system that supports both facility-level action and district-level planning.

• CLL-Kobo App for digital monitoring
• Real-time data collection by FLW
• Integrated health tracking system
• Data-driven health interventions

Health Outcomes & Impact

Based on NFHS-5 (2019-20) data, Meghalaya shows improvements in key health indicators. We continue to strengthen health interventions to reduce anaemia and improve overall child and maternal health.

The NFHS-5 data serves as the baseline and strategic foundation for health interventions, identifying anaemia as the primary health challenge across age groups. With 58.1% of children and 46.6% of mothers affected by anaemia, the program prioritizes iron-rich local foods, fortified nutrition products, and targeted supplementation. Progress is tracked through ongoing surveys and facility-level monitoring, demonstrating improving trends as interventions scale. This data-driven strategy ensures limited resources focus on high-impact interventions aligned with evidence, maximizing outcomes for mothers and children across Meghalaya.

• Child anaemia (6-59 months): 58.1%
• Maternal anaemia: 46.6% in Meghalaya
• Targeted iron supplementation programs
• Community health awareness initiatives