2. WHAT IS
MATERNAL
AND CHILD
HEALTH?
DEFINITION:
The World Health
Organization (WHO) defines
maternal and child health program
as a comprehensive set of
interventions and services aimed
at promoting the health and well-
being of women during pregnancy,
childbirth, and the postnatal
period, as well as the health and
development of infants, children,
and adolescents.
3. INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH
• The interconnectedness of maternal
and child health outcomes is a
fundamental aspect of understanding
and addressing the well-being of both
mothers and children. The health and
well-being of mothers directly impact the
health outcomes of their children, and
conversely, the health of children can
significantly affect the well-being of
4. 1. Maternal Health Impact on Child Health:
Maternal health during pregnancy is crucial for the optimal growth
and development of the fetus.
2. The Lifelong Impact of Early Childhood:
ØThe early years of a child's life are critical for their
physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
3. Intergenerational Effects:
Maternal health conditions such as chronic diseases, infections,
and mental health disorders can have intergenerational effects.
4. Socioeconomic Impact:
Maternal and child health outcomes are influenced by social
determinants such as poverty, education, and access to
healthcare.
Understanding and addressing the interconnectedness of maternal and
5. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF A
MCH PROGRAM
Reduce Maternal Mortality:
Decrease Infant and Child Mortality:
ØImprove Maternal Health:
ØPromote Optimal Child Health and Development:
ØEnhance Access to Healthcare Services:
ØAddress Health Inequities:
Ø Provide Health Education and Promote Healthy Behaviors:
Ø Strengthen Health Systems and Infrastructure:
These goals and objectives collectively work towards reducing maternal and
child mortality rates, improving health outcomes, and promoting the overall
well-being of mothers, infants, children, and adolescents.
6. COMPONENTS OF A MATERNAL
AND CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM
• A comprehensive maternal and child health program consists of
several key components that work together to promote the health
and well-being of mothers, infants, children, and adolescents.
These components include:
Prenatal Care: This component focuses on providing regular
check-ups, screenings, and health education to pregnant
women.
Postnatal Care: Postnatal care ensures the well-being of
both the mother and the newborn in the immediate
weeks following childbirth.
Immunizations: Immunizations play a crucial role in protecting
infants and children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
7. Family Planning: Family planning services are essential for
empowering women and couples to make informed
decisions about their reproductive health.
Health Education: Health education plays a crucial role in
promoting maternal and child health.
Preventive Care: Preventive care involves strategies to
prevent common childhood illnesses and promote overall
well-being.
• These components work together to provide a
holistic approach to maternal and child health, addressing
the unique needs of women and children at various stages
of their life. By integrating these components into
8. INITIATIVES TAKEN BY INDIA
•India has undertaken several initiatives to improve
maternal and child health outcomes within the
country. Here are some notable initiatives:
National Health Mission (NHM): Launched in 2005,
the NHM aims to provide accessible, affordable,
and quality healthcare to rural and underserved
populations, including maternal and child health
services. It focuses on strengthening healthcare
infrastructure, training healthcare providers,
9. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA):
This initiative, launched in 2016, aims to provide
comprehensive antenatal care to pregnant women,
particularly those in the rural and underserved areas. It
offers free health check-ups, diagnostic services, and
counseling to ensure early detection and management
of pregnancy-related complications.
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): JSY, launched in
2005, is a conditional cash transfer program that
provides financial assistance to pregnant women who
10. Mission Indradhanush: Launched in 2014, this
program aims to achieve full immunization coverage
for all children in India. It focuses on reaching
children who are partially immunized or not
immunized at all, particularly in remote and
underserved areas. The program provides intensified
immunization drives and outreach services to
improve immunization coverage and reduce vaccine-
preventable diseases.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK): RBSK,
launched in 2013, aims to provide early identification
11. •These initiatives are part of the
government's commitment to improving
maternal and child health outcomes in
India. They focus on increasing access
to healthcare services, promoting
preventive care, strengthening
healthcare infrastructure, and
addressing specific health challenges
faced by mothers, infants, children, and
adolescents in the country.
