The project aims to strengthen the availability of maternal and child health and nutrition services in tribal areas across four districts of Maharashtra by empowering local communities. It focuses on improving Antenatal Care (ANC) and Postnatal Care (PNC) services, while also contributing to the reduction of malnutrition.

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Objectives

• To increase awareness about ANC and PNC services, government schemes, and nutrition services.

• To empower communities through local-level initiatives, thereby improving access to public health and nutrition services.

• To address malnutrition among children in the age group of 0–3 years.

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Background 

The primary objective of this project is to strengthen the availability and quality of maternal and child health and nutrition services in tribal areas of Yavatmal district by empowering local communities. The project focuses on improving Antenatal Care (ANC) and Postnatal Care (PNC) services, while also addressing the issue of malnutrition.

During the period from 2020 to 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government prioritized efforts to control the spread of infection, which led to a significant diversion of healthcare resources. As a result, many routine health services were disrupted, and a large number of beneficiaries were deprived of essential healthcare services and facilities.

Maternal health services during pregnancy and after childbirth are critical and essential. Although the Government of Maharashtra has implemented various schemes and initiatives to improve maternal health in tribal areas, the COVID-19 situation and other systemic challenges caused major interruptions in their delivery.

Many pregnant women did not receive timely and quality healthcare services. Even when services were available, they often lacked consistency and quality. Essential services such as sonography, immunization, blood tests, and HIV testing were frequently delayed or provided irregularly.

In this context, to ensure that pregnant women and mothers receive timely, regular, and quality healthcare services, as well as access to government schemes and entitlements, a Maternal and Child Health Project is being implemented in 15 tribal villages under the Parwa Primary Health Centre in Yavatmal district.

This project is being implemented through and under the technical guidance of Anusandhan Trust (SAATHI), Pune. The role of the implementing organization is primarily limited to supporting the execution of project activities and ensuring effective coordination with the local health system.