The tri-junction of Ranchi, Khunti and Chaibasa districts, the Parasnath hills in Giridh and Budha Pahar in Bokaro are some of the rebel hotspots of Maoist activity in Jharkhand. Chaibasa is the Headquarters of West Singhbhum district. Difficult terrain, large forest stretches and poor connectivity are some of the challenges that face the people. Nearly 67% children in Singhbhum are underweight, the highest in India. But, the lack of drinking water, ration or electricity supercedes the need for healthcare.
Girls share proportionate enrolments at school but the low rates of retention and transition for both girls and boys continue to be major challenges. Most children attending government schools are first-generation learners and come from extremely poor communities. Many are forced to drop out of school early and contribute towards sibling care, household chores or get married.
Services for antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and essential new-born care, including early initiation of breastfeeding are being strengthened.
Trained ANMs visit homes and the community to counsel young mothers in the villages on the importance of nutrition and infant care. Support for correct breastfeeding practices care is provided.
Colourful IEC material like flashcards are used on a regular basis to educate the community and create awareness to bring about a positive behaviour change in the nutrition practices for mothers and young children.
WASH in school and Anganwadi (pre-school) encourage safe sanitation and hygiene practices among young children and through them to their families. Efforts are being made to strengthen the infrastructure for hygiene management of adolescent girls at schools and in community, social taboos are challenged by empowering children on life skills.
Though the infant mortality in the state has shown a steady decline in the past few years, the rate of new-born mortality is higher in districts with tribal communities. Initiation of Kangaroo care for new-borns has saved many premature lives.