Nagaland has lowest coverage of Antenatal Care in the country

April 21, 2023 23 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 21

Nagaland is said to have the lowest coverage of Antenatal Care (ANC), institutional delivery, and vaccination in the country.

This was informed by Commissioner & Secretary, Y Kikheto Sema during the launching programme of the ‘First 1000 days’ campaign at Hotel De Oriental Grand, Kohima. The ‘First 1000 days’ refers to the period that begins with pregnancy planning and goes up to when the child reaches two years.

Sema attributed Nagaland’s concerning statistics to traditional beliefs and customs that there is no need for delivery in a hospital or an ANC check-up, vaccines, lack of awareness of its importance, geographical barriers – distance to facility, road conditions and economic barriers – lack of trust in the health system.

Stating that health is a collective responsibility, Sema suggested on convergence of all departments, VHCs, NGOs, Church and civil society organisations for optimal services and revival of communitisation.

Presenting a brief highlight on ‘The First 1000 days’, Dr Longri Kichu, UNICEF said only 50% of pregnant women come for early ANC check up within the first three months, and only 21% of pregnant women complete 4 ANC check-ups.

He also informed that only 46% of deliveries are in a hospital; 58% of children are fully vaccinated; 43% of children are exclusively breastfed for six months; and 43% children have anemia.

The programme was launched by Nagaland Health Minister, P Paiwang Konyak, who also released a book on the campaign titled ‘Journey of the First 1000 days’ – Foundation for a brighter future.’ He called upon all to make an honest commitment to ensure that children get all possible support, especially in the first 1000 days for a brighter future.

Investing in early childhood development could be the most secure public investment to get the best returns and attain the full potential of our children, stated the Minister. He added that critical intervention or services like antenatal care, hospital delivery, timely vaccination etc available in the government health facility centres must be availed by all parents.

“We must see to it that each of our children receives the health and nutrition services for overall development, and the message of good health for a healthy future can be reached to the community with the active support of our civil societies, churches, student bodies, partner NGOs etc,” Konyak said.

Blood banks will be activated soon
Observing that the blood storage facilities in 13 districts are non-functional currently, the Minister assured that this will be activated at the “soonest possible time” to ensure that no mother dies of excessive bleeding or for want of blood during delivery.

He maintained that the three blood banks in Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung must have blood available at all times. Towards this, he said intensive blood donation awareness campaign will be held and urged the citizens to come forward and donate blood to save the lives of many.

Seeking the cooperation and support of the citizens, Konyak said it is the responsibility of every individual to ensure that these critical services reach all the children and mothers of Nagaland to survive, thrive, and lay a strong foundation for them.

Meanwhile, Gynaecologist from District Hospital Mokokchung, Dr Supongmeren spoke on the importance of antenatal care and delivery at hospitals. Consultant Paediatrician NHAK, Dr Ruutuo-u Sorhie dwelled on breastfeeding: the complete nutrition and early childhood development; while Dr Sheila Longkumer spoke on importance of vaccination in children. Dr Khelito Zhimomi, State Programme Officer for Reproductive Child Health (RCH) spoke on village health sanitation and nutrition day.

In addition, resource persons from the Department of Social Welfare and Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) Rural Development emphasised on the PMMVY scheme and nutritional support during the first 1000 days; and Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) through Self Help Group (SHG) institutions.