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In pictures: Community involvement crucial to saving babies' lives

  • Plan Nepal launched the Pregnant Women's Groups approach in 2003 with the aim to reduce the rate of neonatal deaths.

    Plan Nepal launched the Pregnant Women's Groups approach in 2003 with the aim to reduce the rate of neonatal deaths.

  • A female community health volunteer educates pregnant women using pictorial leaflets to explain the danger signs during pregnancy, delivery and beyond.

    A female community health volunteer educates pregnant women using pictorial leaflets to explain the danger signs during pregnancy, delivery and beyond.

  • Muni Sardar, a female community health volunteer, assesses the health of a newborn during a home visit in Sunsari district. She visits new mothers 4 time after delivery.

    Muni Sardar, a female community health volunteer, assesses the health of a newborn during a home visit in Sunsari district. She visits new mothers 4 time after delivery.

  • Pregnant women attend a monthly meeting to discuss birth preparedness plans and safe delivery in Bara district.

    Pregnant women attend a monthly meeting to discuss birth preparedness plans and safe delivery in Bara district.

  • This group is being facilitated by female community health volunteers trained by government health workers with support from Plan.

    This group is being facilitated by female community health volunteers trained by government health workers with support from Plan.

  • These Pregnant Women's Groups have been instrumental in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. In areas where Plan works the rates have dropped by 50 and 60 percent respectively.

    These Pregnant Women's Groups have been instrumental in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. In areas where Plan works the rates have dropped by 50 and 60 percent respectively.

  • "I was married at an early age and got pregnant due to ignorance but I am fortunate enough that I got chance to join a Pregnant Women Group," says Neeta Lama, 20, from Makwanpur.

  • Some 11,000 pregnant women are members of about 1,200 Pregnant Women's Groups formed in communities where Plan Nepal works.

    Some 11,000 pregnant women are members of about 1,200 Pregnant Women's Groups formed in communities where Plan Nepal works.

Because mothers matter

November 2011: In Nepal, out of 1000 live births, 33 newborns die because of infection, low body temperature, asphyxia or low birth weight. To address this, Plan Nepal introduced Pregnant Women's Groups in 2003 to raise awareness among pregnant women and new mothers of health issues that can affect them. Plan also conducted training of community-based health personnel.  
 
The groups provide useful information on good health practices for expectant mothers for before, during and after delivery. Women and communities are now empowered with the knowledge and skills to identify danger signs and ultimately reduce the chances of maternal and neonatal fatalities.
 
Find out more about Plan's work in Nepal.

Contact Plan

Plan Nepal,
P.O. Box 8980,
Shreedurbar, Pulchwok,
Lalitpur,
Nepal

Tel: +997 1 553 5580