Why in news? National Safe Motherhood Day is celebrated on 11 April every year and it is an important day for all the mothers or expecting mothers that aimed to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.

Highlights:

• The National Safe Motherhood Day is observed to raise awareness about the need for care, medical check-ups, and health support to ensure safe motherhood.

What is the history of the day?

• The first National Safe Motherhood Day celebration was the result of the efforts of the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI).
• WRAI drew the government’s attention towards the importance of good health for mothers and pregnant women and they worked tirelessly towards an aim to make women aware about the importance of healthcare habits and the availability and accessibility of various healthcare programmes for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-natal care.
• It was in the year 2003 when the central government of India declared April 11 as the National Safe Motherhood Day.
• This day also marks the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of Mahatma Gandhi.
• The government of India utilized the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, to generate awareness of safe motherhood amongst the people.

What is the significance of the day ?

• It reflects on the importance of maternal health and safety, recognise the challenges faced by women, and celebrate the contributions of mothers.

How can Safety of Mothers be Enhanced?

• Anaemia is a common issue that women in India suffer from, which they are seeking to create awareness about.
• There are many government schemes and health policies that are made available by the government to ensure pocket friendly health schemes to the rural population including rural women.
• Through improved maternal health services and encourage the public and private sectors to work together towards achieving safe motherhood for all women.

What are the government intiatives with this regard?

• India is making efforts to lower the MMR ratio and provide a positive outlook on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of an MMR less than 70 well before the stipulated time of 2030.
• The various government initiatives include Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK),Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, ‘LaQshya and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram etc.