Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India launched a comprehensive vaccination programme for women

Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) has introduced a comprehensive immunisation schedule for women aimed at increasing awareness and uptake of adult vaccines across India. This initiative aims to improve women’s health quality, recognizing that women spend 25% more time in poor health compared to men.

This initiative marks a significant step in addressing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) among women. VPDs are caused by bacteria or viruses and can be prevented with vaccines. They can result in long-term illness, hospitalisation, and death. Examples of VPDs include chickenpox, diphtheria, and poliovirus infection.

The Government of India has initiated two major efforts to increase immunisation coverage in the country. The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) provides free immunisation immunisation against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including 9 nationally targeted diseases such as Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B.Additionally, Mission Indradhanush was launched in 2014 to reach children who missed their vaccinations under the UIP.  It has reached over 2.53 crore children and 68 lakh pregnant women with life-saving vaccines through its four phases.FOGSI supports Obstetrics and Gynecology practitioners in India by promoting healthcare services, reproductive rights, and reducing maternal mortality.

Maternal mortality rate in India vs. Universal Immunization Program for Women

The Government of India has launched two important initiatives in the country to increase the immunization coverage under the Universal Immunization Program for Women and Maternal mortality rate in India.

1. Universal Immunization Program (UIP): This program provides free immunization for 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. These include 9 nationally targeted diseases like diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and meningitis and pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b.
2. Mission Indradhanush: Mission Indradhanush was launched in the year 2014 to vaccinate the children who were left out of vaccination under UIP. Through its four phases, more than 2.53 crore children and 68 lakh pregnant women were administered life saving vaccines.The Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecological Society of India (FOGSI) supports obstetricians and gynaecologists in India, focuses on improving the quality and access to healthcare in India, promoting reproductive rights and reducing maternal mortality.

Maternal mortality rate in India

• According to the World Health Organization, the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, due to any cause related to pregnancy or its management, is considered a maternal death. The number of deaths of mothers per one lakh live births is called the maternal mortality rate (MMR).
• The state of Assam in India has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR) (195), while Kerala has the lowest (19) per lakh live births. According to UNESCO, India’s MMR has declined by 6.36% from 2000 to 2020, which is three times the global decline rate.
• Maternal mortality rate (MMR) is improving day by day in India, which is an important aspect for maternal health.

Registrar General of India

• The Registrar General of India works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• It carries out population census, implementation of registration of deaths and births in the country besides presenting estimates regarding fertility and mortality rates using the Sample Registration System (SRS).
• SRS is the largest demographic sample survey in the country, with other indicators providing direct estimates of maternal mortality rate through a nationally representative sample. • Verbal Autopsy (VA) tools are used on a routine basis for deaths recorded under SRS to ascertain the mortality rate due to specific causes in the country.

Current Status of Maternal Mortality Rate in India

• India was close to achieving the National Health Policy (NHP) target of 100 per lakh live births by 2020 and is on the way to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals target of 70 per lakh live births by 2030.
• Many developed countries have successfully brought down the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to single digits.
• The maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Italy, Norway, Poland, and Belarus is only 2, while it is 7 in Germany and the UK. The MMR in Canada is 10 and in the US it is 19.
• Compared to most of India’s neighbouring countries, Nepal (186), Bangladesh (173), and Pakistan (140) have higher maternal mortality rates.
• However, China and Sri Lanka are better placed with MMRs of 18.3 and 36, respectively.

Statistics related to different states in India

• The number of states in India that have achieved the Sustainable Development Goals has now increased from five to seven. These states are: Kerala (30), Maharashtra (38), Telangana (56), Tamil Nadu (58), Andhra Pradesh (58), Jharkhand (61), and Gujarat (70).
• Kerala has recorded the lowest maternal mortality rate, which puts it ahead of the national maternal mortality rate of 103.
• Kerala’s maternal mortality rate has declined by 12 points.
• The previous SRS bulletin (2015-17) put the state’s maternal mortality rate at 42, which was later revised to 43.
• There are 9 states in India that have achieved the maternal mortality rate target set by the National Health Policy.
• These states include the seven states mentioned above and Karnataka (83) and Haryana (96).
• Uttarakhand (101), West Bengal (109), Punjab (114), Bihar (130), Odisha (136), and Rajasthan (141) have MMR between 100-150.
• While Chhattisgarh (160), Madhya Pradesh (163), Uttar Pradesh (167), and Assam (205) have MMR above 150.

Some government initiatives launched by the Government of India to reduce maternal mortality and comprehensive immunization program for women in India

1. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): This scheme under the National Health Mission provides cash assistance to encourage institutional delivery. It aims to provide safe delivery services to pregnant women.
2. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Under this campaign, assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care is provided to pregnant women on the 9th of every month. It ensures that pregnant women get regular and timely medical services.
3. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): This scheme provides nutritional support to pregnant and lactating women. Under this, financial assistance is given to women who are pregnant for the first time so that they can meet their nutritional needs.
4. This scheme provides nutritional support to pregnant and lactating women. Under this, financial assistance is given to women who are pregnant for the first time so that they can meet their nutritional needs.
5. Poshan Abhiyan: The aim of this campaign is to improve maternal and child nutrition. Under this, balanced diet and nutritional education is provided to women and children.
6. Goal Guidelines: The aim of this initiative is to provide high quality care to women during childbirth. Under this, health workers are trained to take care of women during childbirth.