National Safe Motherhood Day is a day that not only honors the boundless love and resilience of mothers but also reignites our collective commitment to their health and well-being. As the nation unites in this heartfelt tribute, we are reminded of the sacred journey of motherhood, a journey that deserves to be safe, supported, and celebrated. Established in 2003, this day marks India’s pioneering step as the first country to dedicate a day to maternal health, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi.
Do you Know Kasturba Gandhi ????
Kasturba Gandhi, born on April 11, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, was the devoted wife of Mahatma Gandhi and a fearless freedom fighter in her own right. Affectionately called (Ba) she played a vital role in India’s independence movement, leading protests, advocating for women’s rights, and promoting education and equality. Her courage, compassion, and sacrifices despite enduring personal hardships and imprisonment made her a symbol of resilience, which is why National Safe Motherhood Day is observed on her birth anniversary. Kasturba passed away on February 22, 1944, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and humanity.
Objectives
This day seeks to raise awareness about maternal health. Many women, especially in rural areas, lack knowledge about safe pregnancy practices, the importance of prenatal care, and the risks of childbirth complications. This day educates communities about the need for regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and skilled birth attendance to ensure healthy outcomes for both mother and child.
Advocate for Better Healthcare Access
A key goal is to push for improved maternal healthcare services, including access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and postpartum support.
Promote Healthy Pregnancy Practices
The initiative emphasises the adoption of healthy habits during pregnancy, such as balanced nutrition, timely medical check-ups, and awareness of potential complications. It also highlights the importance of postnatal care, including breastfeeding support and mental health services.
Celebrate Motherhood
Beyond its advocacy, the day honors the strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers, recognizing their pivotal role in nurturing future generations and shaping society.
Challenges
- Limited Access to Healthcare Facilities:
- In rural and remote areas, many women lack access to quality healthcare facilities. Understaffed health centers, poor infrastructure,
- Lack of Skilled Birth Attendants
- A significant number of births still occur at home or in under-equipped facilities without skilled professionals.
- Poverty and Malnutrition
- Economic hardship and malnutrition remain major hurdles. Programs like Poshan Abhiyaan aim to tackle this, but implementation at the grassroots level is often inconsistent.
- Social and Cultural Barriers
- Deep-rooted societal norms, such as early marriage and teenage pregnancies, exacerbate maternal health risks. Young mothers face higher rates of mortality and morbidity due to their bodies not being fully developed for childbirth.
- Lack of Awareness
- Many women are unaware of the healthcare schemes available to them, such as Janani Suraksha Yojana or Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan , which provide financial incentives and free antenatal care. This lack of awareness, coupled with low literacy rates, hinders the adoption of safe practices.
- Gender-Based Discrimination
- Patriarchal attitudes often de prioritize women’s health, with families neglecting the needs of pregnant women.