A recent survey conducted by the Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA) in collaboration with the H T Parekh Foundation has revealed significant improvements in maternal and child health outcomes in urban vulnerable settlements of Mumbai, the organisation informed through a press statement on Wednesday. The survey, titled ‘Hybrid Intervention to Improve Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) in Urban Informal Settlements of Mumbai: Evaluation Report,’ assessed the health status of mothers and children residing in these communities.
According to the report, which surveyed 1000 mothers, the efforts of SNEHA and H T Parekh Foundation have led to a notable reduction in anaemia among pregnant and lactating women. Anaemia rates decreased from 52 per cent in 2021 to 38 per cent in 2024, indicating a positive impact on maternal health.
The survey also highlighted improvements in child-feeding practices among mothers in these vulnerable communities. Notable enhancements include increased exclusive breastfeeding rates for the first six months, improved initiation of complementary feeding, and better diet quality for young children. Exclusive breastfeeding rates rose from 59 per cent to 74 per cent between 2021 and 2024, while the proportion of mothers practising appropriate initiation of complementary feeding increased from 66 per cent to 74 per cent over the same period. Additionally, immunisation coverage for vaccine-preventable diseases increased from 78 per cent to 87 per cent.
These positive changes have contributed to a reduction in malnutrition among slum children aged 0-5 years. Stunting rates decreased from 34 per cent in 2021 to 30 per cent in 2024, while the percentage of underweight children dropped from 32 per cent to 29 per cent.
Commenting on the survey findings, Sushma Shende, Programme Director of Maternal and Child Health at SNEHA, emphasised the collaborative efforts with government agencies and local health services in addressing malnutrition and health issues among children in vulnerable areas. She highlighted the impact created by SNEHA and H T Parekh Foundation in partnership with the public services and the communities they serve, emphasizing the importance of investing in child health for the nation's future.
SNEHA recently concluded its successful Maternal and Child Health programme with H T Parekh Foundation, benefiting over 16,000 individuals between 2021-2024, the organsiation's statement informed. The programme encompassed various activities, including nutrition counselling and the identification and referral of child malnutrition, conducted across vulnerable settlements in Mumbai such as Mankhurd, Govandi, and Dharavi, in collaboration with government health services.
