In order to analyze the impact of our program, we assess both quantitative data and qualitative factors. We collect data on: number of trained health activists, number of mothers registered, number of their prenatal visits, medicines supplied, immunization status and deaths due to pregnancy and delivery. Infant deaths are also recorded.

IMPACT OF PROGRAM IN 854 VILLAGES AS OF JULY 2011

The health literacy program was started in 2008. We trained one health activist (“Swasthya Sakhi”) per village, who further spread health literacy awareness in each ofntheir villages.

• We communicated with and collected data on every pregnant woman in these villages and connected them to public health facilities.
• We compared the first set of 1,550 pregnancies and deliveries at the beginning of the program from 256 villages and compared them with the next set of 6,818 pregnancies and deliveries, after the program was established in 854 villages.

RESULTS:

• We have achieved significant maternal and neonatal mortality reduction.
• We have seen significant improvement in personal hygiene habits.
• We have seen improvement in adoption of family planning methods.

CONCLUSION:

• Health Literacy has a significant effect in reducing maternal and infant mortality.
• Health literacy improves habits of personal hygiene.
• In our model we had no significant effect on acceptance of family planning: we are working to improve this.

Collateral benefits up to June 30, 2011

Activity from July 2010 to Dec 2010

Qualitative Impact

• Awareness of health-care and health issues has risen within each community
• Community members have internalized the best practices on health-care
• Health-seeking behavior within the community have improved.
• There is higher awareness, among women, of Government-sponsored plans such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana run under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
• Increased synergy with community and health functionaries: Self-Help Group meetings have emerged as platforms at which communication on health issues and information on health-care can be disseminated by government or village functionaries
• Increased community support to Auxiliary Midwives and Anganwadi workers in disease surveillance and referrals
• The convergence approach has brought a sense of responsibility among government functionaries and provided them an opportunity to work more effectively
• Improved recording of health statistics.
• Increased participatory involvement.

Deaths were due to:

• Delay in registration with public health.
• Poor antenatal care.
• Delay in reaching the hospital.
• Delivery at home.