Improving health indicators of mothers and newborns by empowering communities in urban slums of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Abstract Background: Newborns represent the most vulnerable segment of our society, constituting nearly 30% of all under-5 mortality cases. Despite well-established healthcare systems in metropolitan areas, urban slum dwellers, comprising approximately 50%–60% of the population, often lack access to these services. The Society for Nutrition, Education, and Health Action (SNEHA) operates within urban slums, aiming to enhance health outcomes for mothers and children. At SNEHA, we firmly believe that a healthy society starts with the well-being of mothers and infants. Our organization is dedicated to empowering communities to improve the health status of newborns in urban slums. Material and Methods: As part of the intervention, 7819 households with a population of 35,000 were targeted. SNEHA’s field workers conducted regular visits to these households, providing counseling on breastfeeding immunization and identifying potential health risks. Married women of reproductive age were specifically identified and consistently educated about the significance of early pregnancy registration. Pregnant women received support for registering their pregnancies, attending regular antenatal care (ANC) check-ups, adhering to ANC visit schedules, and maintaining adequate iron, calcium, and nutrition intake. Additionally, they were informed about the advantages of institutional delivery and encouraged to prepare for childbirth. Mothers of children under 2 years were urged to bring them to primary health centers for routine immunizations. Furthermore, they were advised on contraception methods to ensure proper spacing between children. Results: Our endeavors have resulted in a 34% rise in early pregnancy registration, a 22% increase in the number of women attending four antenatal check-ups, an 11% uptick in institutional deliveries, a 24% improvement in exclusive breastfeeding rates, and a notable 67% surge in the prevalence of contraception. Conclusion: Our intervention has proven that it is possible to improve the health indicators of women and children through behavior change communication, regular home visits, and community awareness.