Improving maternal health in India
Maternal and child health is a growing concern in India. Health challenges in the country are escalating due to rapid urbanisation.
The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is the annual number of mothers who die per 100,000 live births. Some Indian states, such as Rajasthan, have an MMR greater than 400. This is one of the worst rates in the world. Women from India’s poorer regions are particularly affected.
Several national priorities have been introduced to address MMR, but with poor co-ordination and little success, often due to the preferred use of traditional health education models.
Healthy pregnancies
Improving the health of women before and during pregnancy lies at the heart of a research project at the University of Warwick.
Led by Professor Ponnusamy Saravanan, the project involved a pilot intervention for reducing metabolic diseases such as gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy) in high-risk women in India.
“It is known that South Asian women are at a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to other ethnic groups” explains Professor Saravanan. "With India’s high birth rates, many women are likely to have a subsequent pregnancy within a relatively short time frame."
Professor Saravanan (second from left) with local research collaborators after a project discussion
“We wanted to engage, educate and intervene in the early postnatal period to prepare them for better health for the subsequent pregnancy. Improving the health and welfare young women and their families in India is a key priority, and this work has the potential to reduce the long term burden of diseases” explains Professor Saravanan.
Strengthening links with local hospitals and organisations
Existing links with local research organisations and hospitals (MDRF – Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Seethapathy Hospital, Mediscan, VHS – Voluntary Health Services Hospital, Andra Mahila Sabha Hospital and JIPMER).
The project has addressed several priorities, such as:
- Health: Establishing prevention and management strategies for young women in vulnerable parts of the population with a history of gestational diabetes
- Prosperity: Strengthening established research and clinical networks to help prevent disease and reduce early death
- Benefits to other low and middle income countries: The project’s work and strategies can be implemented in other countries with similar high-risk populations
Long term benefits
The project's work is helping to deliver various policy-relevant outcomes in India, and it is hoped they can be rolled out to other countries afflicted by high maternal death.
Researchers and field staff came together for a day of workshops
The project aligns with The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health and Well-Being, Reduced Inequalities and Partnerships for the Goals. The project has helped pave the way for the delivery of lasting benefits to Indian mothers and their children for many years to come.
Principal Investigator: Professor Ponnusamy Saravanan
Country: India
UN Goal(s) addressed:
