Girls who marry at a young age often face severe health risks due to early pregnancies. Their young bodies may not be fully developed to handle the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth, which can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. Additionally, these young mothers frequently lack access to essential healthcare services and may be unaware of proper nutritional needs for their well-being. Without adequate knowledge and resources, they may struggle to obtain the necessary nutrients and medical care required for a healthy pregnancy, increasing the risk of malnutrition and adverse health outcomes. This situation underscores the need for comprehensive education and support to improve health outcomes for young mothers and ensure they receive the care and information they need to safeguard their health and that of their children.
HOW ARE WE ADDRESSING IT?
Many young girls face life-threatening risks due to early pregnancies, which are a leading cause of mortality among them. To address this critical issue, our initiative focused on providing targeted support to pregnant and lactating adolescent girls who are victims of child marriage. Our comprehensive approach included offering supplementary nutrition to ensure they receive essential vitamins and minerals, delivering education on healthy dietary practices, and facilitating access to regular medical check-ups. By addressing these needs, we aim to improve their overall health, reduce the risks associated with early pregnancies, and support them in leading healthier, more informed lives.
In 2020-21 STdHF provided nutritional support to 15 pregnant and lactacting mothers by investing Rs. 2500 in each adolescent girl.
The support included provision of Green gram, Groundnut, Ragi powder, health drink powder and health mix along with counselling and health check ups.
