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09 FEB 2024
In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting maternal and child health, the Kilkari program continues to make significant strides across India, delivering essential information directly to new and expectant mothers via mobile technology. Launched on January 15th, 2016, as part of the Digital India campaign, Kilkari stands as a beacon of hope for mothers, offering vital guidance on pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare.
Designed to transcend literacy barriers prevalent in rural areas, Kilkari leverages audio-based messaging, providing free, weekly, time-appropriate messages through Interactive Voice Response (IVR) to women registered in the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal. The initiative commences messaging during the second trimester of pregnancy and extends support until the child reaches one year of age, ensuring a continuum of care and guidance.
By harnessing data from the RCH portal, Kilkari tailors its messages to the specific needs of each beneficiary, delivering personalized guidance to mothers and families. These messages serve as invaluable resources, informing mothers about best practices during pregnancy and infancy, thereby empowering families to make informed decisions and adopt healthier behaviors.
The impact of Kilkari reverberates across 20 States and Union Territories, reaching communities far and wide with its life-saving messages. Initially serving in 18 States/UTs, including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh, among others, the program recently expanded its reach to Maharashtra and Gujarat, further widening its scope and impact.
Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the program’s success in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, underscoring its role in safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and children nationwide. By delivering timely and relevant information directly to beneficiaries, Kilkari not only saves lives but also ensures healthier outcomes for mothers and their precious newborns.
As Kilkari continues to evolve and expand its reach, it remains a shining example of how technology can be harnessed to address critical healthcare challenges, bridging gaps and empowering communities for a brighter, healthier future.
