The strategy involved the review of region-specific data/research
studies such as RCH survey data, literature on maternal mortality
and safe motherhood, intervention models etc; development
of advocacy material; block level consultation meetings to
understand various factors leading to maternal mortality;
advocacy workshops at the district level leading to development
of district advocacy plan; and advocacy workshops at the
state level leading to development of state advocacy plan.
An experience-sharing meeting was
organized in April, 2004 at the Foundation’s office to share various experiences
on reduction of maternal mortality. A background paper on “Maternal
Mortality-Concepts and Issues” based on review of literature
was prepared and shared among the participants. Subsequent
to experience sharing meeting, a follow up meeting with UNFPA
representatives was held in April 2004 at UNFPA Delhi office.
A two-day block level consultation meeting was held on
May 28-29, 2004 in Padampur block of Rayagada district in
Orissa. A group of around fifty participants participated
at the meeting. The presence of senior officials both from
district and block levels was encouraging.
The second block level consultation meeting was held for
two days during September 13-14, 2004 in Dasmantpur block
of Koraput district. Around 50 participants from different
parts of the Block attended the meeting. The reports on both
the meetings have been translated into the Oriya language
for district and block level programme functionaries. Four
district level workshops have been held in October 2004.
At most of the workshops there was good participation of
various stakeholders such as Government, NGOs, Self Help
Groups (SHGs) and health care providers.
The advocacy kit on maternal mortality was prepared and
submitted to State government.
