Nutrition and Basic Health

The southern districts of Odisha especially Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada have lower health indicators compared to other districts of the state. The highest stunting (in percent) prevalent in Nabarangpur (45.8) followed by Malkangiri (45.7), Raygada (43.5) and Koraput (40.3). Nabarangpur (36.0 percent), Malkangiri (32.5 per cent), and Koraput (28.5) had a higher prevalence of ‘wasting’ children. Malkangiri district and Nabarangpur had over 50 percent underweight children and in Koraput and Raygada districts over 40 percent of children were underweight. Mortality rates are alarming whether it is maternal mortality, infant mortality, or U5 mortality, the condition is worrisome. MMR is more than 30%, IMR is around 48 %, and U5 Mortality is 6.5% (AHS 2013-2014). This situation of poor access to health and nutrition services for mothers and children is the primary reason for the high mortality rate. In addition, high incidences of anaemia among women, absence of proper nutrition, incapability to afford quality health services, and superstitions are other reasons which contribute significantly to this situation.

SOVA aims to ensure a healthy start in life. We firmly believe that good health and nutrition are fundamental rights for every individual. Health equity among the marginalised communities can be a powerful agent of change. Similar to how health is critical to a child’s development, health equity is an indispensable milestone of a community’s development. We work to bridge the health equity gap and go beyond fighting illness to ensuring health for all. We work with women and children from birth to adulthood to break the intergenerational cycle of poor health. We work directly with the communities to improve health-seeking behaviours, address gender inequities and promote optimal use of available resources. Our model is unique as it supports existing government health and safety systems for improving the quality of healthcare delivery.