Health needs of children and women get grossly neglected leaving long term impact on their well being. Percentage of malnourishment is quite high among children, adolescent girls and women. Women and girls are also found to be anemic. Mostly these health concerns are not even recognized. As a first step there is a need to create necessary awareness among women on health issues, so that they are able to voice their health needs and take steps to overcome health problems.

Action against child malnutrition – We feel that it is a serious issue needing urgent action. Statistical claims hide much and reveal less; therefore we think concrete steps based on adequate understanding of socio-economic reasons of child malnourishment are needed more than anything else. Yuva Mitra has formed an action committee at the Sinnar level, which involves socially sensitive doctors, lawyers, journalists and government officers, willing to be part of collective action to curb child malnutrition. Activities to provide health services and nutritious diet to children are taken up by the committee. More importantly these activities are mostly carried out on locally raised funds through credit societies and individual donors.

Health needs of adolescent girls – Health and personality of adolescent girls are closely linked. We organize health camps for girls to build their self-esteem and understanding about their body. Regular meetings are organised at the village level with girls to discuss health concerns. Presently groups of adolescent girls are formed in 10 villages. The group members build their knowledge as well as take awareness generation activities at the village level. Exposure to health related information has raised confidence levels of the girls.

Women’s Health – SHG meetings provide a ready forum to discuss health issues with women. Special meetings are also organised if required. Topics like nutrition, clean water, sanitation, malnutrition are discussed with the women.

Aarogya Mitra ( Project PEHCHAN) :

The aim of the PEHCHAN project is to improve health status and increase access to and use of health services by children and their families in 10 villages in Nashik District of Maharashtra PEHCHAN will achieve this aim through the following objectives :

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