Safe Pregnancy for 200 Poor Women in India

While the past 25 years have witnessed a concerted global effort to improve MCH in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) including India, more progress is needed to meet the targets laid out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MCH programs in India are weighed down by wide inequities; these challenges have been amplified by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the direct effects of the disease, the indirect effects of the pandemic have been devastating. Limitations in the availability of skilled health workers and health system access barriers have led to lower coverage of antenatal and postnatal care services, and routine childhood immunization services, especially in rural India. Key MCH indicators of the country remain concerning, as evidenced by recent surveys, which indicate worsening of maternal and child nutrition indicators in several states especially Uttar Pradesh.

HLFPPT is working in enhancing Maternal & Child Healthcare for the last three decades and contributed to health system strengthening. Though COVID-19 has multiplied obstacles in fortifying MCH programs, our efforts have also been increased for improving the key priorities in this aspect.

We would like to thank our donors for supporting us in this journey of improving the lives of Mothers and Newborns. One such story is that of Suman, who is a resident of a small village in Chandauli at Uttar Pradesh. As Suman was a part of one of the community meetings organized for the new mothers by Merrytarang Member(MTM), she was aware of the accessible and affordable institutional deliveries supported by  HLFPPT. During the meeting, our Merrytarang member not only explained the importance of ANC and PNC but also the significant role of nutrition in pregnancy. Initially, Suman was anxious about her pregnancy and postnatal care in the era of pandemic but subsequent follow-ups and counseling by MTM helped her during pregnancy. She completed all her ANC visits and was in regular touch with a doctor of Merrygold Hospital. Last month, with your support, she was blessed with a baby girl in good health. Suman was very satisfied by the services provided at Merrygold Hospital.

We are also supporting her and the baby in getting quality postnatal care which could only be possible by contribution provided by the donors like you. With your support, we are able to map pregnant women and support them in their pregnancy journey. Women from her community still need your help. We would like to thank you for your continuous contribution to our projects at the time of festivals so that we too can illuminate more such lives.

We wish you Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!