Bhubaneswar: A major step towards leveraging artificial intelligence for improved child health was marked today with the inauguration of a five-day Training-cum-Workshop on “AI for Growth Monitoring: Development of an AI Tool for Child Anthropometry.”
The event, held at the ICMR Auditorium Hall in Bhubaneswar, was inaugurated by Shubha Sarma, Principal Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, Government of Odisha.
The inaugural session was graced by several distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Sanghamitra Pati, Director, ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar & Additional Director General, ICMR Delhi; N.C. Jyotiranjan Nayak, Additional Secretary, Women & Child Development Department; Dr. Makarand Tapaswi, Lead Investigator from Wadhwani AI; Dr. Subhendu Kumar Acharya, Scientist-D, ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar; and Dr. Sneha Nikam, National Program Lead, Wadhwani AI.
On this occasion, the dignitaries jointly launched a comprehensive training module designed to guide field teams through the critical data collection process essential for the development of the AI tool.
This collaborative initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MoWCD), Government of India; Wadhwani AI; ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar; and Poshan Abhiyaan, Government of India. Its objective is to create an AI-based solution that will streamline and enhance the accuracy of anthropometric measurements conducted by Anganwadi Workers (AWWs).
The proposed AI tool will automate the recording of essential child anthropometric data—including weight, height, head circumference, and chest circumference—through short videos captured on basic smartphones by AWWs. This innovative approach aims to increase the accuracy and efficiency of assessments, facilitating early detection and intervention for malnutrition.
Odisha has emerged as the first state in India to pilot this pivotal study, building upon its strong track record in implementing impactful child health initiatives. Other states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to follow suit.
Over the five-day workshop, field investigators will undergo extensive hands-on training on measuring key growth indicators using standardized protocols. Trainers from ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar, and Wadhwani AI will conduct the sessions.
Following the workshop, investigators will embark on a 3–4-month data collection phase across the districts of Balasore, Cuttack, Ganjam, Jajpur, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj, forming the basis for pilot assessment and tool development.
