The 49-year-old actor on Wednesday visited a health post at Pakadi VDC in Kapilvastu as Unicef’s goodwill ambassador promoting nutrition for children and interacted with local health workers and volunteers. He enquired the health workers about the status of malnutrition among children in the district and the efforts that were being carried out to combat the condition caused by deficiency of nutrients in diet.

Khan also spoke with female community health volunteers and asked them about the inconveniencies and problems they faced in their line of work.  “How difficult is it to work as a female health volunteer?” he asked Champa Kewat, who replied that she could perform her duty more efficiently if she had a bicycle to visit different parts of her area in times of emergencies. Kewat, who has been a health volunteer for the last 17 years, requested the visiting Unicef ambassador to make appeal for her demand for a bicycle. “I will be encouraged to do better if I receive a bicycle,” Kewat said.

Ajormati Raidas asked for mosquito nets for herself and all her female health volunteer friends. “It is important for us, health volunteers, to remain healthy to do our job. Since mosquiot-borne diseases are common here, it would be a great relief if you, sir, could make arrangements to provide us with mosquito nets,” Raidas told Khan.

While Khan was attending the interaction with local health workers inside the health post building, hundreds of fans gathered outside to catch a glimpse of the man whom they had seen and loved on television and movie screen.

After attending the interaction, Khan visited Semaruti settlement where he observed the treatment of malnourished children. Female health volunteer Radha Yadav taught the actor the different ways of distinguishing undernourished child. Khan also administered nutritious food formula to 16-month-old Sandan Yadav, who has been suffering from malnutrition.

Khan met with mothers of young children in the settlement and told them that children need to be loved and taken good care of during their early developing years. “Proper care and love is essential to raise healthy children,” he said. The actor was accompanied by Unicef’s South Asia Director Karin Hulshof and Unicef Nepal Chief Tomoo Hozumi.

Visits Lumbini

BHAIRAHAWA: After attending the Unicef’s programme, Khan visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. He was guided around the Lumbini area by archaeologist Basanta Bidari. Khan was particularly taken by the Ashoka Pillar and the Marker Stone, said Bidari. “He had many questions and curiosities. He spent nearly seven minutes at the Marker Stone’s sight asking questions,” said Bidari. Khan also participated in a prayer being performed by monks and visited the Pipal tree at Sri Lankan temple. The actor spent about 45 minutes touring the area.