A step to reduce Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): National Safe Motherhood Day, April 11th, 2022

April 11th is observed as National Safe Motherhood Day to address the importance of maternity care and special needs during childbearing. The state government is committed to increasing safe motherhood by reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in the state. Service-oriented organizations of the state also joined in the safe motherhood campaign.

The celebration of Safe Motherhood Day started in the year 2006, intending to dedicate the birth of Kasturba Gandhi to the mothers of the country in the true sense. Prime Minister has resolved to reduce the maternal mortality rate in the country by launching the “Prime Minister’s Safe Motherhood Campaign” across the country in the year 2018. The state government has taken steps to ensure quality health services, nutritious food, and hygienic care to adolescents and pregnant women. In the budget for the year 2022-23, the Department of Health has also proposed a budget of Rs. 811 crores.

The camp got organized by a charitable organization in Ahmedabad, to check the health of poor adolescents in the city, make them anemia free and reduce the maternal mortality rate.
About 300 adolescents underwent health check-ups at Ahmedabad Rotary Club-Airport and Gandhi Ashram as a pilot project to check the prevalence of anemia among poor adolescents with the service-oriented organization Manav Sadhana. About 80% of the adolescents got tested for low levels of hemoglobin and symptoms of anemia, and appropriate medication got provided.

Tips to maintain, and manage hemoglobin levels and maternity care:
▪️ Frequent hydration
▪️ A balanced diet
▪️ Regular active physical movements
▪️ Iron and protein-rich supplements