CHETNA

CHETNA (Centre for Health, Education, Training and Nutrition Awareness) was established in 1984 as an initiative of NFD, with a clear commitment to improving the health, nutrition, and wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents from socially and economically marginalised communities. Over the past four decades, CHETNA has grown into a nationally recognised, women-led public health organisation rooted in equity, rights, and community participation.

CHETNA functions as an institution under NFD, with its own Governing Council, and brings together action, research, training, and advocacy to influence both practice and policy in public health and nutrition.

Vision and Core Philosophy

CHETNA envisions an equitable society where all people, especially women and young people, are empowered to live healthy and dignified lives. It believes that health and nutrition outcomes are deeply shaped by social norms, gender relations, access to information, and the ability of individuals and communities to make informed choices.

Women’s empowerment lies at the heart of CHETNA’s philosophy. The organisation works to strengthen women’s self-esteem, confidence, and critical awareness, enabling them to exercise agency over decisions that affect their health, nutrition, and wellbeing, as well as that of their families and communities.

Areas of Work

CHETNA’s programmes focus on maternal, adolescent and child health and nutrition, gender and health equity, sexual and reproductive health, and community-based health systems strengthening. Its work integrates behaviour change communication, community mobilisation, capacity building of frontline health workers, and engagement with public systems.

CHETNA also places strong emphasis on addressing structural and social determinants of health, including gender discrimination, social exclusion, and unequal access to services.

Women-Led Organisation and Practice

CHETNA is recognised for its women-led leadership and feminist organisational practice. It is managed by a women-led core management team and governed by an independent Governing Council. The organisation’s team includes professionals with expertise in public health, nutrition, gender studies, education, communication, research, and community engagement.

This organisational ethos shapes how CHETNA designs programmes, partners with communities, and builds alliances with government and civil society.

Knowledge, Research and Capacity Building

In addition to field-based programmes, CHETNA contributes significantly to knowledge generation, training, and capacity building. It works with health systems, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and networks to strengthen understanding and practice in areas related to women’s and adolescent health and nutrition.

Through documentation, research, and advocacy, CHETNA supports evidence-based approaches and contributes to national and state-level dialogue on public health and nutrition policies.