National Safe Motherhood Day, observed annually on April 11th in India. Serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need to ensure the health of pregnant women and new mothers. This day is an initiative of the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI), which aims to raise awareness about the need for accessible healthcare for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. It underscores the preventable nature of many maternal deaths and morbidities and advocates for a healthcare system that prioritizes the dignity and rights of every mother.
The significance of National Safe Motherhood Day cannot be overstated. Globally, and particularly in developing countries like India, maternal mortality remains a significant public health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 287,000 women died due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth in 2020. While India has made considerable progress in reducing its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) over the past few decades, the numbers are still alarmingly high, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Several factors about Safe Motherhood
Several factors contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity. This includes lack of access to skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, and timely referrals, which are major contributors. Geographical barriers, poor infrastructure, and financial constraints often prevent women from receiving the necessary medical attention. Poor nutritional status, particularly anemia, weakness in women, and increased susceptibility to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Insufficient knowledge about maternal health, family planning, and the importance of antenatal care can lead to delayed or inadequate healthcare-seeking behaviour. Poverty, gender inequality, and harmful traditional practices can further exacerbate the risks faced by pregnant women. Early marriage and teenage pregnancy can increase the risk of complications due to the physical immaturity of young mothers. Infection, haemorrhage, and eclampsia can occur after childbirth and require timely and appropriate management.
Mother concern NGOs also play a pivotal role in advancing the agenda of National Safe Motherhood Day. Often, working at the grassroots level, our organization bridges the gaps in healthcare delivery, raises awareness within communities, and empowers women to make informed decisions about the health services that are accessible to all.
Mother Concern NGO: A Champion for Safe Motherhood Day
Mother Concern NGO is actively working towards improving maternal health in India. Our organization is deeply committed to the principles of safe motherhood. Our activities on National Safe Motherhood Day and throughout the year would likely encompass a multi-pronged approach.
Activities on National Safe Motherhood Day:
On April 11th, Mother Concern would organize a range of activities aimed to raise awareness, providing essential services. This includes:
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Awareness Program:
Organizing health camps in underserved areas to provide information on antenatal care, safe delivery practices, postnatal care, nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, and family planning methods. Creating and distributing pamphlets, posters, and audio-visual material in the local language to educate women and their families about maternal health issues. Engaging the local media like newspapers, radio, television, and social media to disseminate information and share success stories. Conducting workshops for pregnant woman and their families and community health workers on topics like recognizing danger signs during pregnancy, the importance of institutional deliveries, and newborn care.
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Healthcare Service Provision:
We organize free check-up camps with the help of medical professionals, providing essential screenings and advice to pregnant women. Also, we ensure that pregnant women, especially those from marginalized communities, have access to healthcare facilities for safe deliveries, potentially through transportation assistance or by connecting them with government schemes. Providing information and support to new mothers on breastfeeding, newborn care, and postnatal check-ups. We distribute nutritional supplements to pregnant and lactating women to combat malnutrition and anemia.
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Advocacy and Policy Engagement:
Meeting with local government officials and policymakers to advocate for improved maternal healthcare infrastructure, increased funding for maternal health programs, and better implementation of existing schemes. Providing platforms to women to share their experiences and challenges related to maternal health, ensuring their voices are heard by policymakers. Emphasizing the importance of having trained healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses present during childbirth.
Long-term impact and sustainability:
Mother Concern’s effort on National Safe Motherhood Day would ideally be part of a larger program to improve mental health. This includes regularly assessing the impact of their interventions and making necessary adjustments to improve effectiveness. Establishing strong collaborations with government agencies, healthcare providers to create a comprehensive and coordinated approach to maternal health.
Conclusion:
National Safe Motherhood Day serves as a crucial annual reminder of the ongoing need to prioritize the health of mothers. Mother Concern plays an indispensable role in translating this awareness into tangible action on the ground. Their multifaceted approach, encompassing awareness campaigns, healthcare service provision, advocacy, and community empowerment, is vital in addressing the complex challenges associated with maternal mortality and morbidity. By actively engaging on National Safe Motherhood Day and sustaining their efforts throughout the year, our organization contributes significantly to creating a future where every woman has a safe and healthy motherhood journey. Their dedication and commitment are essential in achieving the national goal of ensuring safe motherhood for all women in India
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