Siddh Divyang Foundation

Vatsalya

Evidence based care during pre-conception, prenatal and perinatal period for improving maternal and neonatal health.

Problem Statement

According to UNICEF, India accounts for the highest number of low birth weight (LBW) babies globally, with 7.5 million—37% of the global total born annually. Of these, 46.9% are preterm. Our study (Sample size = 1000) in semi-rural Maharashtra found 28% LBW, of which 68% were preterm as shown in the graph.

Maharashtra alone has 2.2 million births annually, with many babies facing risks such as under-five mortality, stunted growth, poor cognitive development & chronic health issues in adulthood, etc.

Pilot Study to Reduce Disabilities in Newborns

Vatsalya (mother's love for child) project was conceived from the findings of a pilot field study done by the Govt. of Maharashtra, UNICEF, & BV Deemed Univ. Medical College from 2018 to 2020 conducted in tribal and non-tribal blocks of rural Maharashtra. 7,875 women desiring pregnancy were enrolled. These women were selected based upon their desire to conceive within the next 3-4 months.

Out of these, 3,574 women received targeted preconception care on monthly basis (Intervention Block)
4,301 women were observed and received standard maternal care (Comparison Block)

Parameters monitored based upon WHO’s international guidelines and UNICEF’S experience in India, UNICEF identified 100+ parameters to be monitored during the Pilot Project such as Hypertension, Diabetes, HIV, Thyroid, TB, Anemia, RH- blood group, tobacco and alcohol consumption by women, BMI, Young mothers <19 years and so on.

Project Aim

Prevention is better than cure

A healthy mother is the foundation of a healthy child, and a Healthy Baby reflects the health and prosperity of a nation. Our project seeks to promote healthier beginnings for future generations, focusing on creating Healthy Babies and contributing to a Healthy and Prosperous India.

SDF’s Association with Vatsalya

Project “Vatsalya” is a collaborative effort between Govt. of Maharashtra, UNICEF, and SDF. As the Pilot Study was compiled with the use of Excel spreadsheets, extensive computerization was required to scale the project across the state. SDF’s role is akin to that of an IT company handling software development with frontend mobile app and a robust backend database, providing technical support, and creating multimedia content.

Project Components

1. Preconception Care

Creating awareness for the fitness required for getting pregnant, observation, screening and intervention wherever needed.

2. Interventions During Pregnancy

Monitoring health during pregnancy. Observation, screening and intervention wherever required

3. Peripartum Care

Care during the period shortly before, during, and immediately after giving birth

Salient Features of Vatsalya

It is a Unique initiative: First of its kind in the country. "Medical (Physical)" and "Psychological (Mental)" health Parameters are monitored and will be analysed.

For more information on "Medical (Physical)" parameters Click here

For more information on "Psychological (Mental)" parameters Click here

Baby birth recorded in "Vatsalya" will become entry point for “Healthy Baby": This will eliminate double data entry and establish correlation with baby’s health. It will allow us to co-relate Psychological and Physiology health of the mother with Baby's health upto the age of 24 months.

Project Sustenance is assured: The Government of Maharashtra has issued a Gazette notification for Project “Vatsalya”, officially adopting it and ensuring its continuation for many years to come.

Opportunity to go Pan India: The "Vatsalya" database is linked to the National RCH (Reproductive and Child Health) portal, reducing data entry at the state level. In the future, Project “Vatsalya” can be expanded to other states with language modifications, such as from Marathi to Hindi or Gujarati.

Ease of awareness: "Vatsalya" will be available for the couples for ease of awareness.

Mothers will have access to the Vatsalya App: An interactive platform available in Marathi language, where mothers can receive direct guidance and track their health parameters, moving away from the traditional reliance on ASHA workers for information and support.

Download “Vatsalya” mobile app from Google Playstore for FREE

Support Our Work

• NGOs and Foundations working in Health sector for mothers and new born babies
• NGOs and Foundations focused on Education and Support for Divyang children
• Volunteers willing to share their time, skills and expertise for these initiatives
• Paediatricians and Medical Officers specializing in Preconception Care or Child Development
• Financial contributions are always welcome and greatly appreciated to sustain and expand our efforts

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