Tdh is implementing perinatal health programme in climate sensitive resource scarce areas of Sundarbans in West Bengal. The main objective of this programme is to contribute to a reduction in maternal, newborn and U5 mortality. The project will address the need for antenatal screening, timely detection, and referral of high-risk pregnancies for further healthcare service, and timely and appropriate service uptake to achieve positive perinatal outcomes.
In addition, Tdh builds capacity of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) on use of Point of Care Testing (PoCT) devices for screening of high-risk pregnancies, through training programmes followed by coaching support. Capacity of ASHAs is enhanced through training and coaching support on components related to maternal and child health care such as – ante natal, post-natal and newborn care components and home-based low birth weight management.
Tdh has developed a digital communication tool, Matri Sakhi, containing key messages on perinatal health components. This tool is primarily used by frontline health care workers to support dissemination of key messages related to ante-natal, post-natal and neo natal care and management of low-birth-weight children among community women. Women groups formed under the project, are also trained on using this android-based application, whereby this tool will support the women’s groups in conducting meetings on perinatal health and disaster preparedness.
Different rounds of surveys conducted in 2020 and 2022 in perinatal health project has shown improvement in the key indicators related to perinatal health care in Sundarbans. Access to service by high-risk pregnant women has increased from 30.8% to 63.9 %. Attending ante natal check-ups at subhealth centres has been improved from 67.9 % to 87% along with proportion of institutional delivery has also increased to 95.4%.
