ENSURING HEALTH AND HYGIENE FOR SAFE MOTHERHOOD IN TRIBAL VILLAGES, SAHARSA, BIHAR (EHSAS)

Project EHSAS Summary

Project EHSAS is a sustainable health initiative focused on improving the well-being of mothers and children from indigenous tribal communities in Bihar’s Saharsa District. The project targets 15 villages, directly supporting 680 young mothers and their children up to five years old, while promoting economic self-sufficiency through the establishment of 30 Self-Help Groups and the formation of 15 Adolescent Girls Groups that will educate on health and hygiene over three years.

With Bihar facing high rates of maternal and infant mortality, the project emphasizes community involvement in planning and implementation, aiming to ensure safe pregnancies, childbirth, and postnatal care. Each village will have a Women’s Wing of trained volunteers acting as a Village Health Committee to facilitate access to medical care and nutritional support.

Project Goals: Ensure safe motherhood and dignified childhood for Santhal tribal families.

Objectives:

1. Raise awareness of reproductive healthcare for 680 mothers by 2026.
2. Reduce maternal and child mortality through improved healthcare services.
3. Promote hygienic living environments in all targeted villages.
4. Provide psycho-medical assistance and nutritional supplements to beneficiaries.
5. Foster behavioral change regarding menstrual practices and gender beliefs among 1,415 young women and girls.

Target Group: Total Direct Beneficiaries: 1,415 (680 mothers, 360 SHG members, 375 adolescent girls).