Accepted Panels

The Baiga tribe is one of the most particularly vulnerable primitive tribal groups of central India, which is known for its traditional Health Care practices. Presently the lifestyle of the Baiga tribe is changing gradually as a result of which their children are not getting a balanced diet and their nutritional health status is declining. The Baiga mostly rely on traditional health practices to take care of their children and do not want to take full advantage of the services provided by the Primary Health centres of the Government. The Baiga tribe protect themselves against six preventable diseases such as Cholera, smallpox, diarrhea, whooping cough through traditional knowledge systems. A descriptive study was conducted in the Annuppur district of Madhya Pradesh where healthcare is offered by the primary health centre and Anganwadi Centres. Data were collected by focused group discussion and prepared interviews scheduled in view of the relevant literature. The study sample included 100 mothers from Baiga community. In the study efforts are being made to find out traditional knowledge relating to technical expertise and traditional food and medicine the Baiga community use for the nutrition and health care of their children. An attempt is made to know to what extent women of Baiga tribe are aware about the primary health services provided by the Anganwadi centres, and health centres. In the present research paper, after evaluating the health and nutritional status of the Baiga children, it was found in the study area that gradually awareness of non- formal education provided by Anganwadi Centres is accepted among Baiga parents.