The well-being and healthcare of children hold a special significance in the hearts of Indians., With a population of over 1.4 billion, ensuring access to healthcare, nutrition, and a promising future for the younger generation is a crucial goal. Recognising the importance of healthcare for children, the Government of India, in conjunction with numerous Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), has embarked on an inspiring journey to safeguard the health and well-being of its youngest citizens.
The government’s commitment to child health is evidenced by various initiatives, policies, and programmes focusing on immunisation, nutrition, early childhood development, and more. Simultaneously, NGOs have been instrumental in complementing these efforts by providing essential healthcare services, advocating for child rights, and ensuring that no child is left behind.
In this article, we will delve into the dynamic partnership between the government and one such NGO in healthcare and more – Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children). We will explore their shared efforts, strategies, and accomplishments in child healthcare and development.
Notable Actions for Children’s Healthcare and Nutrition
Bal Raksha Bharat is a pivotal NGO dedicated to the holistic development and well-being of children across India. Their commitment transcends conventional boundaries, encompassing healthcare, education, nutrition, protection, and more. Here, we delve into the critical facets of Bal Raksha Bharat’s impactful work in healthcare and nutrition:
Promoting Behavioural Change at the Community Level
Recognising the importance of community-driven change, Bal Raksha Bharat champions initiatives aimed at building healthy behaviours within communities. This approach empowers families and individuals to embrace practices that lead to better health outcomes, particularly among children.
Advocating for Equity and Quality
Bal Raksha Bharat advocates for an equitable, qualitative, and gender-sensitive approach that bridges the gap between families, communities, and healthcare facilities. By emphasising the importance of quality and equality, this NGO in healthcare and children’s welfare strives to ensure that its services reach those who need them most.
Multi-Sectoral Assessments in Emergencies
In emergencies, Bal Raksha Bharat conducts multi-sectoral assessments to address the complex needs of affected communities. This comprehensive approach allows swift and effective responses to crises, ensuring that children’s healthcare and nutrition remain a top priority even during challenging circumstances.
Along with these notable actions, this organisation’s operations are marked by a strategic alignment with various government bodies, ensuring a holistic approach to the welfare of the nation’s most valued citizens- Children.
Collaboration with Government Agencies and Local Administration
Bal Raksha Bharat actively collaborates with government agencies and local administrations to provide technical assistance in healthcare and nutrition. This collaboration extends to empowering health systems by focusing on service delivery, health workforce empowerment, information dissemination, medical product distribution, vaccination campaigns, financing strategies, enhancing leadership and governance within the healthcare sector, and more. Some of these highlights include:
- They support the coverage of government flagship programmes such as Anemia Mukt Bharat, Poshan Abhiyan, and the Eat Right Campaign. These collaborative efforts aim to improve the health and nutritional well-being of children, adolescents, and mothers.
- The organisation works diligently to enhance nutritional security by improving behavioural practices in feeding infants and children. Additionally, Bal Raksha Bharat strengthens health and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to support better health outcomes.
- The organisation supports the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centres in four states (Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh). This initiative aims to provide universal access to Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC).
- Bal Raksha Bharat collaborates with the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to support the Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully(SAANS) campaign, a national and state-level effort to combat childhood pneumonia.
- The organisation has also partnered with NITI Aayog to strengthen nutrition programmes across three Aspirational Districts in Jharkhand and Bihar.
- Bal Raksha Bharat plays a pivotal role in NITI Aayog’s committee on Integrated Development for children in the age group of 3-6 years, alongside organisations like the World Bank, UNICEF, and the Alliance for Right to Early Childhood Development.
- In collaboration with the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, the organisation strengthens maternal, newborn, and child health services at Tilak Nagar Municipality Hospital.
This NGO in healthcare collaborates effectively with government bodies to drive meaningful change and ensure the well-being of India’s children and mothers. This multifaceted approach encompasses critical initiatives, strategic partnerships, and commitment to health and nutrition, ultimately paving the way for a healthier, more promising future for the nation’s youngest citizens.
Conclusion
The shared commitment to health and nutrition demonstrated by the Government and NGOs like Bal Raksha Bharat lays a strong foundation for a healthier and more promising future for children. Through their combined efforts, they are contributing significantly to the goal of building a healthier world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and grow into a prosperous and healthy adult.