In an inspiring turn of events, the PRISM 10 initiative, spearheaded by the district administration of Parvathipuram-Manyam, has brought about a remarkable improvement in maternal and child health outcomes in this challenging tribal region of Visakhapatnam.

The initiative, aimed at reducing infant mortality below 10, has yielded significant results, with the infant mortality rate (IMR) plummeting from 24 deaths per 1000 live births in 2021-2022 to just 8 in 2023-2024.

The journey from 24 to 8 IMR was marked by concerted efforts and strategic interventions. In 2021-2022, the district recorded 13,297 live births amidst 313 infant deaths, underscoring the pressing healthcare challenges. However, with the rollout of PRISM 10, the scenario witnessed a positive shift.

Live births surged to 14,611 in 2022-2023, while infant deaths dropped dramatically to 127. This trend continued in 2023-2024, with 10,967 live births and 93 infant deaths, further reducing the IMR.

Parvathipuram-Manyam, a region fraught with geographical and infrastructural barriers, grappled with issues like poor transportation and superstitious beliefs, exacerbating the healthcare plight.

To overcome these hurdles, PRISM 10 introduced 29 mobile health clinics and recruited 282 community health officers, expanding healthcare access even to the remotest corners.

The initiative adopted a holistic approach, focusing on prenatal and postnatal care, nutrition enhancement, immunization drives, and addressing anaemia among pregnant and lactating women.

An innovative feature of PRISM 10 is the introduction of adoption officers tasked with providing personalized care to pregnant women, ensuring home visits, health education, and assistance with government aid programs.

Leveraging local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for outreach, these officers work closely to maximize effectiveness.

Moreover, PRISM 10 emphasizes cross-departmental collaboration through the establishment of Anaemia Action Committees, comprising representatives from various departments.

This collaborative effort underscores the synergy required to tackle multifaceted challenges in healthcare delivery.

The success of PRISM 10 stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives coupled with strategic planning and interdepartmental cooperation.

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