UNFPA assisted Integrated Population and Development
Project is being implemented in four tribal districts of Maharashtra (
Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Thane). Although base line RCH house
hold survey conducted in these districts have shown eligible couple
protection rate of these districts in the range of 52 to 55% hardly 1 to 3%
of the couples are protected by temporary methods of contraception. One of
the major reasons for eligible couple for not accepting contraceptive
services is high infant mortality rate in these tribal blocks. Assuring
eligible couple of child survival is therefore a key management component
for enhancing eligible couple protection rate.
High neonatal mortality is the most important challenge in child health in
tribal area. Services statistics of the most two underprivileged blocks in
four districts reveal that neonatal deaths account replicate it in other
parts of the state. The project has been sanctioned vide Govt. resolution
No IPD/1001/434/CR-97/FW-1(1) dt. 11may 2001. HFWTC Nagpur has been
designated as the nodal agency for implementation of the project.
Area of operation
Initially it has been decided to implement the project in one
block each of the four IPD districts.
Sr No
Districts
Blocks
1
Gadchiroli
Ettapalli(Bhamragad)
2
Chandrapur
Korpana
3
Nandurbar
Akkalkuwa
4
Thane
Jwahar
Implementation of the project
1. Base line survey: - Since the base line is
essential for monitoring and evaluation of the project it was decided to
carry out a base line survey in all these selected blocks. To find out the
present status in terms of infant mortality rate neonatal mortality rate,
still births, early neonatal rate, couple protection rate etc. these survey
was completed by December 2001.
2. Training: - It was imperative to train all the grass root
level staff in the skills of prevention and management of neonatal care
interventions for this purpose first of all training modules for MOs,
LHV/ANMs and Dai/AWWs were prepared with the help of the project
consultant.
Key trainers training was conducted at HFWTC, Nagpur and Nasik. Training of
MO/LHV/ANM was carried out at district training team. Training of AWW /
Dai’s was organized at RH/PHC level.
The training of all the functionaries was completed by March 2002.
It was directed to conduct one day reorientation training of all
MO/Dai/AWW/LHV to discuss the project and for effective implementation of
the programme.
A video film on neonatal care has been prepared by HFWTC Nagpur
and the DHOs have asked to use it for the continuing education of the AWWs
and Dai’s.
