Despite the existence of extensive health infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is 707 per 100,000 and infant mortality rate (IMR) 72 per 1,000 live births. Of all the children dying, nearly 30 per cent die at the time of birth, while the rest die between ages of 1 day to 5 years. Apart from this, health status of women is generally very poor after delivery. Not only the government is responsible for such a scenario, but family members, social customs, dietary habits, social stereotypes, etc., also play their role. Overall, the outlook of the society towards a pregnant woman is negative. This means that an unhealthy woman gives birth to weak or unhealthy child. Both face the risk to their lives in the process.

In Sitapur district too, somewhat similar conditions prevail. Shashwat is making efforts in Mishrikh development block for the betterment of the health of women and infants. The attempts not only include making the facilities available, but also changing familial and social environment in such a way that a pregnant woman gets healthy environment for delivering healthy child. The ultimate aim is to bring about drastic decline in MMR and IMR.

The following efforts are underway:

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Workshops and processions for creating awareness regarding care of infants and pregnant women

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Holding meetings with family members of pregnant women to ensure proper nutrition for pregnant women

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Making community aware for government services and institutional deliveries and ensuring outreach of ANM (a woman health worker) and lady doctor

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Organisation and capacity building of village level health and advisory committees so active organisations may be promoted at the local level and they can play active role at the community level

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Ensuring accountability of units of local self governance so they can meet health needs. For this training are organised for panchayat representatives and micro plans are being developed