On this day National Safe Motherhood Day is observed every year on April 11 in India to create awareness about the proper healthcare and maternity facilities for women. The day was first observed in 2003 by the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI) to highlight the importance of safe motherhood and reduce the number of maternal deaths during childbirth.
The theme for National Safe Motherhood Day changes every year to focus on specific areas of concern related to maternal health. The objective of this day is to make people understand the need for improving maternal health and to encourage the government and other stakeholders to invest more in healthcare infrastructure, policies, and programs to support women during pregnancy and childbirth.
India accounts for the highest number of maternal deaths in the world. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 830 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth every day worldwide, and out of these, around 20% of the deaths occur in India alone. Lack of access to proper healthcare facilities, trained medical professionals, and awareness about maternal health are some of the main reasons for these deaths.
On National Safe Motherhood Day, various programs and activities are organized across the country to raise awareness and promote safe motherhood practices. Seminars, workshops, health camps, and rallies are organized to educate women, their families, and the community about the importance of antenatal care, proper nutrition, safe delivery practices, and postnatal care. The day also serves as a reminder to policymakers and healthcare providers to focus on improving maternal health services and infrastructure to ensure safe motherhood.
