It's an irony that in this modern age, childbirth in urban slums of India is still dangerous for women. In a bid to ease the process, pregnant women can now seek help via the mMitra app. It's a free voice calling service that caters to women who seek pregnancy-related help or any other “sensitive, personal issues” that might be awkward to discuss with anyone else.
Even though women-health issues need crucial attention, many of them still shy away from disclosing health matters even to a doctor. It is this segment that will greatly benefit from this smartphone app.
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Just like many families live in Mumbai’s crowded Dharavi (the biggest slum in the world), Anwari Begum and her husband Ajibur Rehman (a craftsman) moved here in the hope of a better life. Today, she is a mother of five, but the city hasn’t had gifted their family much. Fortunately, Anwari came to know about the app and its features, and had a healthy delivery with the recent birth of her daughter. The app has all answers to her enquiries related to her health, feeding practices or immunization.
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The Mitra (friend) or confidante’s warm voice appears to be like that of a neighbour who dole out pertinent advice to pregnant women on healthcare, both in the prenatal and postnatal stages on a daily basis and when it’s used frequently, the app increases its individual accuracy. Designed especially to serve various slums, this app became a part of Anwari’s life. When asked in what ways the app benefited her, an elated Anwari replied,
“Both my husband and I listen to the messages on the mobile. I can’t read that well, but by regularly listening to the clips I have learnt a lot,” reported by the Better India
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The mMitra programme is the brainchild of ARMMAN (Advancing Reduction in Mortality and Morbidity of Mothers, Children and Neonates), a non-government organization focused on pregnancy tracking tools that helps reduce maternal, neonatal and child mortality and morbidity among the impoverished urban and rural communities. A free mobile voice call would give you accurate information like food and nutrition tips, timely prompts for regular doctor visits, or post child-birth care.
According to the World Health Organisation’s data, India witnesses nearly five women’s death in every hour due to overdose of pain or complications during childbirth. While problems are much less among the educated class, the slum (or rural) population often suffers from miscarriage (for not having accurate knowledge) or death of infants. In such a scenario, an initiative like the mMitra is an additional friend for women at home to avoid any pregnancy-related mishap.
To register for the mMitra app, type it out on a primary mobile number with a consent signature. No monetary subscription is involved.
Those who need to be enrolled can go to health workers posted in the antenatal/postnatal clinics of municipal hospitals and maternity homes, who register women during their first check-up visit or have a chat with community workers of the partner NGOs, who make home visits in slum communities. They will help you out with this app.
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Feature Image Credit: indiannewsandtimes.com
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