HEALTHCARE

Jhabua district is an endemic area for malarial and dengue fevers since unpredictable torrential rainfall during the monsoon season make mosquitoe control a challenge. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and the HIV epidemic are among the emerging infectious diseases in the region. Yet common childhood illnesses (eg. diarrhea, pneumonia, measles and malnutrition) and poor healthseeking behaviour of the population seem to be the main causes for relatively high morbidity and mortality rates. Climatic conditions, illiteracy, poor infrastructure and migration are among the other causes which seem to play a role for why the Bhil population suffers from poor health.

Having supported a rural community health centre in Gadwada village since 1996, API has seen a significant improvement of health among women and children after introducing a programme involving traditional midwives in 15 villages who attend home deliveries and refer pregnant women and young mothers with their children. Weight monitoring, immunizations, providing nutritional supplements and antenatal check-ups have been among the successful measures to reduce morbidity. Village plays and workshops have contributed to raise awareness among the villagers. Furthermore, several surveys on traditional beliefs regarding health and nutrition have been helpful in understanding the Bhils' healthseeking behaviour.


PLANNED INTERVENTIONS:

Jhabua Health Initiative is a program which focuses on reproductive and child health as well as on HIV/AIDS, both of which are of concern due to high vulnerability. This program will involve the "Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness" (IMNCI) strategy of the World Health Organization and Unicef, which has already been adapted specifically for the Jhabua region. This training program will be imparted to Governmental and private kindergarden workers, nurses and health workers in order to assure prompt and proper diagnosis of sick and malnourished children and their immediate treatment or referral. Nurses, healthworkers as well as village leaders and traditional healers and midwives will also be trained in safe motherhood and important aspects of HIV/AIDS. Ultimately, a large awareness-creating campaign in the weekly markets across the district will educate the general public about the emerging HIV epidemic. Thanks to excellent ties with the local Government, these efforts will be partially supported and carried out by the Govenment of Madhya Pradesh.

For further details regarding the program and its collaborating partners please send a short online request to API or BHILS)

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