National Safe Motherhood Day (NSMD) is an initiative by the White Ribbon Alliance of India (WRAI) to ensure that women have access to and adequate health care during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum services. National Safe Motherhood Day (NSMD) is celebrated annually in India on April 11 to show pregnant and lactating women about proper sanitary and maternity hospitals.
The birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi on April 11 is celebrated as National Safe Motherhood Day. India is the first nation in the world to have socially announced a National Safe Motherhood Day.
Safety of Pregnant women during the rapid and wide spread of Wuhan virus
Nowadays, more and more women are educated and are aware of safety measures along with the qualities of an inhabited mother, but in rural areas pregnant women still face problems during and after childbirth. According to WHO skilled care can save lives of women and babies. Almost 58% of pregnant women in India are anemic and it is estimated that Anemia is the leading cause of 20-40% of maternal deaths in India.
All women need to pay more attention to their care during pregnancy.
All pregnant women, including those with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 infection, have the right to receive high-quality care before, during and after delivery. All pregnant women, including those with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection, have the right to receive high-quality care before, during and after delivery. Safe motherhood means that all women receive the care they need to stay healthy and safe during pregnancy and childbirth.
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History of National Safe Motherhood day
This day is dedicated to reduce anemia among women, giving birth in healthcare facilities, improving prenatal and postnatal care and more. It involves the persistence of a mother in raising her child for the upcoming trials of life and caring for his dreams and passions.
The White Ribbon Alliance has decided to celebrate National Safe Motherhood Day every year to raise awareness of appropriate access to health services during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum services while also reducing anemia.
This initiative created by the White Ribbon Alliance in India (WRAI) ensures that women have adequate availability and access to health care during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care (personalized care provided to meet the needs of a mother and a non-mom).
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Measures taken by then government and WRAI members concerning National Safe Motherhood Day
WRAI members selected a topic in India and conducted large-scale awareness campaigns on appropriate maternity hospitals and healthcare facilities for pregnant and lactating women (MANSI) – preventive and curative care for both mothers and babies, from the same family to the public-
The Government of India launched the Janni Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) to transport these women to hospitals and facilities that they continue to deliver at home. It should be ensured that pregnant women living in rural areas also have the same conditions for pregnant women as women living in cities. Thus, the high rate of maternal mortality demonstrates the need to raise women’s awareness of adequate health and maternity hospitals.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2021
This year, as India celebrated International Mother’s Day on May 9 in the midst of a new wave of novel COVID-19 pandemic, important issues were raised and awareness was spread about the issue of early marriage and teen pregnancy.
With the research going on in the month of April about whether or not pregnant women and lactating mothers can take COVID vaccine it was important that these women are taken care of with utmost safety and precautions. The government and medical departments ensured that the lactating mothers and pregnant women are given due consideration when it comes to health and safety.
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