With a steadfast commitment to ensuring no mother or child dies from preventable health causes, ARMMAN has been making a significant impact since its inception in 2008. This blog delves into the transformative work of ARMMAN, shedding light on the difference it’s making in the lives of women and children across India.
“I had a stomach ache and when I went to the doctor, I was informed that I was pregnant. It was a pleasant surprise as I have not had a pregnancy in 8 years. The last time, I had a miscarriage.”
Khushbu Srivastav was enrolled in the Kilkari programme when she went for her first antenatal check-up at her nearest hospital. Having had a miscarriage before, she was worried about her pregnancy and was not sure how to ensure a healthy delivery. The weekly Kilkari voice calls became her support system informing her about importance of nutritious diet, consumption of Iron and Folic Acid tablets, and regular sonography. She delivered a healthy baby and was prepared for the delivery as per advice given through Kilkari. “Now I feel that if I had heard the voice calls during my previous pregnancy, I might have been able to prevent my miscarriage.”
In India, a woman dies in childbirth every 20 minutes, 20 more suffer debilitating morbidity, and many like Khushbu suffer miscarriages due to conditions which can be easily managed with appropriate care at the right time.
The Beginning…
Stanford and Cleveland Clinic trained internationally renowned Urogynecologist, Dr. Aparna Hegde, founder of ARMMAN (Advancing Reduction In Mortality And Morbidity Of Mothers, Children And Neonates) personally observed avoidable fatalities and disabilities experienced during pregnancy and childbirth. Dr Aparna was still completing her education in the USA, when she decided to set up and register ARMMAN, with an aim to move beyond traditional solutions, leveraging mobile technology to bridge gaps in access to healthcare for women and children.
ARMMAN-USA is registered non for profit organisation in USA under 501(c) (3).
ARMMAN leverages the expansive mobile phone penetration to disseminate preventive care information to women through pregnancy and infancy via mHealth (mobile health) interventions, enabling them to seek care in time. We also recognise the pivotal role of community health workers in ensuring effective healthcare delivery. The organisation trains and supports health workers for timely detection and management of high-risk conditions among pregnant women, mothers and their children.
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
ARMMAN’s core mission revolves around empowering women, understanding that their well-being is the cornerstone of vibrant and healthy communities. Through mobile health (mHealth) interventions, we have been instrumental in creating awareness among pregnant women and new mothers. These interventions provide critical information about pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care, fostering informed decision-making and healthier outcomes.
Training Health Workers for Lasting Impact
The health workers play a vital role in ensuring the effectiveness of healthcare services in India. They hail from the community and understand the culture, geography, weather, beliefs and value systems of their villages and urban neighbourhoods. They are the on-ground force that makes home visits, counsels pregnant women and mothers to ensure that they avail the health care services at the right time.
ARMMAN’s unique blended tech plus touch model, leverages this strong and vital cadre of health workers, by training them with the knowledge and skills needed to provide comprehensive support to women during pregnancy and infancy.
“I am now able to detect high risk pregnancy conditions in women and make referrals on time. I feel proud that I am able to help women when they need it the most,” says Rajitha, an Auxilliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) from Telangana, who has been trained by ARMMAN through its Integrated High Risk Pregnancy Training and Management Programme.
Leveraging Technology for Better Healthcare
In an era of technological advancements, ARMMAN leverages mHealth solutions to reach remote and underserved populations. Mobile phones become powerful tools for disseminating crucial health information, bridging geographical barriers, and ensuring that even those in remote areas have access to life-saving guidance. Through innovative Interactive Voice Call (IVR) technology, Artificial Intelligence and mobile applications like WhatsApp, ARMMAN has successfully connected with women at various stages of their maternal journey.
#IndiaGivingDay: A Call for Support
As we continue our efforts, ARMMAN invites individuals and communities to join hands on #IndiaGivingDay. This annual event serves as an opportunity for people based in the USA, to contribute to ARMMAN’s mission of improving maternal and child health in India. By supporting us, donors play an active role in transforming the lives of countless women and children, creating a ripple effect that resonates through families and communities.
Click here to donate for ARMMAN as part of the India Giving Day on March 1. To know more about our programmes, visit our website: www.armman.org