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Post-tsunami women and children’s health project
Tamil Nadu (2006-2010)
Many of you will remember the disastrous tsunami
that struck the
As well as the need for reconstruction ASSEFA
found that women and young children's health in the area was far worse
than expected. Across
- 47% of children suffer from anaemia and vitamin
deficiencies
- 25% of school children are under weight due to
malnutrition and poor hygiene
- Over 70% of women covered by the project have
anaemia and this rises to more than 80% amongst pregnant women, who then
have a high risk of delivering an underweight baby.
ASSEFA has developed
a comprehensive, grass-roots programme to address the long term problems
of tsunami-affected communities in Tamil Nadu. It includes income
generation activities to reduce dependence on fishing and promoting
community development. AVI has been asked to support an
essential element of the strategy; addressing the health problems of the
women and young children in 3000 families in 30 villages in the
region.
The key to the
success and sustainability of the project are the volunteer health
animators. These 45 women are
being trained and enabled to take on a key role; delivering safe maternal
and child health care services and first aid. The other main elements of
the programme are:
·
School teachers are
trained to promote hygiene and first aid in schools.
·
Families are
supported in growing their own nutritious food in kitchen gardens and
trees are being planted.
·
Dietary supplements
are provided to anaemic women and malnourished
children.
·
Grants for improved
housing and sanitation are given to reduce health
problems.
·
Proper ante-natal,
baby delivery and post-natal services are provided to give families the
best possible start.
All this is overseen by Dr Rani and her team of three health workers.
AVI has been
asked to raise £13,960 to fund this inspirational and effective
programme between October 2008 and March 2010 and expand it to
another 5 villages. £12.50 £20 £25 £30 Pays for two mother and child medical kits
for the health volunteers to give families the best possible
start. Pays for a year’s dietary supplements for 8
malnourished children or anaemic women. Means 2 local women can be trained in
maternal and child health care. Pays for one health worker for one
month.
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