The first 1,000 days of life shape a child’s health, learning, and future. When mothers and young children receive the right care early, the benefits last a lifetime.
One of ChildFund India’s key focus areas is improving maternal and child nutrition, reducing preventable deaths, and strengthening care during the first 1,000 days—from conception to a child’s second birthday. This critical window lays the foundation for a child’s physical growth, cognitive development, and long-term wellbeing.
Rooted in community systems and aligned with government health and nutrition frameworks, MACHAN works closely with families, frontline workers, and local institutions to ensure that mothers and young children receive timely, appropriate, and sustained care, especially in underserved rural and urban communities.
The program works through trained frontline health workers, mentor mothers, and Mahila Arogya Samitis (MAS) to support safe pregnancies, infant feeding, hygiene, and early childhood care.
Women from within the community guide pregnant women and young mothers through shared experiences, practical advice, and peer learning.
Regular growth monitoring, nutrition counselling, cooking demonstrations using local foods, and parenting workshops help families adopt healthier everyday practices.
Phone- and digital-based support, including teleconsultations, help families connect with health services and specialists when needed.
The program engages caregivers, families, and community leaders to promote healthier practices and ensure long-term adoption.
300,000+ mothers, infants, and young children reached across rural and urban communities
~15% reduction in underweight and stunting among children under five
22% increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates
Greater awareness and use of government health and nutrition services, including ICDS and NHM
Children, adolescents, pregnant women, mothers, and caregivers in tribal and underserved districts of Jharkhand.
Reached 78,874 people through community and school-based interventions, while building capacity of frontline workers and integrating mental health support into government health systems.
Pregnant and lactating mothers during the critical first 1,000 days after childbirth, along with their families.
Strengthened early identification and support for postpartum emotional wellbeing by embedding screening, peer support, and referrals within routine maternal health services.
Economically distressed urban communities in Bhubaneswar, with a focus on maternal, child, and family health.
Improved access and quality of primary health care for over 1 million people, increased full antenatal care coverage to 70%, and strengthened government-owned urban health systems.
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