Converting First 1000 Days Approach into Implementable Model

Problem Description

Government of India had come out with a book on journey of first 1000 days and its importance and benefits, but the challenge was first to understand this concept, create an awareness among the people who matter and then translate it into something tangible on the ground with a clear road map.

Activities done under “First 1000 days Initiative”.

• Development of Resource materials.
• Capacity building module for ASHA.
• Guidelines on First 1000 day compliant facilities.
• Messages for mother regarding first 1000 days.
• Certification course on Journey of first 1000 days.

Community awareness activities:

• Audio and Video messages in Gujarati, Hindi and English.
• SATCOM, Live Programme on Doordarshan and Use of Saptadhara.

Certification of PDU Hospital Rajkot as First 1000 days complaint facilities.

Establishment of Midwifery Led Labour room to provide care with dignity. 

Government medical colleges and other facilities by deploying Nurse Practitioners Midwifes.

Training on Alternate Birthing Positions.

Research and Implementation on Physiological Cord Clamping.

Strengthening Kangaroo Mother Care practices through political advocacy.

Promotion of use of Drumsticks and Iron Vessels for cooking, Kitchen garden.

Programme Outcomes

• Positive birthing experience for mother and baby in clutter free environment.
• Humanized care with privacy, dignity and respect.
• Optimal family participation in care of newborn.
• Benefits of newer evidences such as alternate birthing positions and physiological cord clamping.
• Support in cognitive development of children to reach their full  potential.

Involvement of Stakeholders

UNICEF provided continues technical support beginning from development of implementation framework to implementation at field level. Other partners are Samhita and Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital, Dharampur.

Way Foreword

• Convert all Health Facilities to “First 1000 days Compliant facility".
• Development of Centre of Excellence under first 1000 day.
• Establish Midwife Led Care Unit at all delivery points.
• Communication campaign for first 1000 days.
• Development of monitoring framework with indicators.
• Use of digital technology (My Techo) to spread awareness.
• Collaboration with private practitioners.

Source : We Care Coffee Table Book - Good, Replicable and Innovative Practices 2019