How much population does an Anganwadi worker look after?

Appeared in: Haryana CHO -2023

Explanation

An Anganwadi Worker (AWW) is a key functionary of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.
The standard population norm for one AWW in a plain or rural area is approximately 1000 people.
While official guidelines state a range of 400-800 people for one Anganwadi Centre, 1000 is the widely accepted benchmark for a single worker's coverage area in a typical village.
This ensures that the services of the ICDS program, such as nutrition and pre-school education, reach a manageable population size.

Option A: This number is too low for a standard Anganwadi Centre in a plain area. It falls within the lower end of the official range (400-800) but is not the standard benchmark.
Option C: This figure is too high and does not align with the established norms for a single Anganwadi worker.
Option D: This is the population norm for a different type of health worker.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Population norms for community health workers in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding these population norms is crucial for public health planning, resource allocation, and program management to ensure equitable and effective delivery of health and nutrition services.
The AWW-to-population ratio directly impacts the quality of services provided to children under six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
These norms help in identifying underserved areas and planning for the establishment of new Anganwadi Centres.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Anganwadi worker'.
Recall the context of this role, which is the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme in India.
Access your knowledge of community health norms. Remember the standard population figures for different grassroots workers.
Compare the given options with the known standard. The figure for an ASHA is 1000, and for an ANM at a sub-centre is 5000. The AWW norm is also commonly cited as 1000 for plain areas.
Select the option that best matches the standard benchmark for an Anganwadi worker in a plain/rural area.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) pp. 95-97, 121-123

Practise the full Haryana CHO -2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.