In the remote corners of Chhattisgarh, particularly in Bastar district, Caritas India’s Gram Nirman project is making significant strides in supporting government initiatives to create a developed and healthy India, or Viksit Bharat. By focusing on inclusive socio-economic growth, the project empowers marginalized and vulnerable populations, through active participation in planning and decision-making processes.

One of the key components of the Gram Nirman project is its support for the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). This government initiative aims to provide free vaccines to children against diseases like Polio, Measles, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B, while also raising awareness about the importance of immunization. Despite its widespread reach, the UIP faces significant challenges in rural areas due to factors such as accessibility, awareness, and local beliefs.

Since 2021, the Gram Nirman team has been actively working in 90 villages, including 15 of the most remote villages in Bastar. The team conducts regular awareness campaigns, visits villages to monitor health, sanitation, and nutrition days (VHSND), and ensures regular immunization. By sensitizing parents to the importance of vaccination, they protect their children from fatal diseases and prevent future medical expenses.

In the village of Badebadam, for instance, a community educator recently mobilized eight pregnant women and eleven children for their third dose of vaccination, with four children receiving the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine. This initiative highlights the success of the awareness campaigns, as more mothers and caregivers now understand the critical importance of immunization and actively participate in health services.

Similarly, in Nagalsar village, Community Educators facilitate the “Vajan Tyohar,” an essential activity supported by the Chhattisgarh State Women and Child Development Department. During this event, 37 children under the age of six had their weight and stature measured to monitor their growth. The data collected revealed that 23 children had normal nutrition, while 14 were moderately malnourished. Educators advised parents to improve their children’s diet by using local vegetables, seasonal fruits, and traditional meals, thereby addressing malnutrition through home-based interventions.

Despite the natural beauty and cultural richness of Bastar, the region is often overshadowed by issues of poverty, backwardness, and extremist activities, which impede the success of government health initiatives. The major barriers to immunization include postponing vaccination, children being ill and not brought to the center, lack of awareness, and logistical challenges such as the distance to immunization centers and long waiting hours.

Gram Nirman tackles these challenges by conducting interface meetings between health officials and the community, sharing experiences, and strategizing among frontline health workers. This collaborative approach ensures that more children receive vaccinations and reduces the incidence of missed opportunities.

The National Rural Health Mission, launched in 2005, aims to increase immunization rates and reach the most vulnerable populations. The Universal Immunization Programme is a cornerstone of this mission, targeting millions of newborns and pregnant women annually. Despite its cost-effectiveness and success in reducing vaccine-preventable under-5 mortality rates, several obstacles still hinder its full implementation in rural areas.

Caritas India’s Gram Nirman project complements these government efforts by addressing gaps in service delivery and engaging the community directly. By mobilizing local resources and fostering community participation, the project ensures that health services reach even the most remote and marginalized populations.

Through its dedicated efforts, the Gram Nirman team is confident that the number of unvaccinated children in Bastar will decrease significantly. By supporting government initiatives and empowering local communities, Caritas India is helping to build a healthier and more resilient future for the children of Bastar.

Caritas India’s Gram Nirman project exemplifies how collaborative efforts between NGOs and government programs can lead to meaningful change. By complementing the Universal Immunization Programme and other health initiatives, the project not only addresses immediate health needs but also promotes long-term socio-economic growth and development. Through continued support and community engagement, Gram Nirman is paving the way for a Viksit Bharat, where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.