Innovation-MHA-MNCH project, Building knowledge of male on maternal and child health care.

Innovation-MHA-MNCH project, Building knowledge of male on maternal and child health care.

As part of the Innovations for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health initiative, WOSCA implemented the Male Health Activists (MHA) project in 205 villages of Keonjhar district, Odisha. The pilot introduced male community health workers to work alongside ASHAs, strengthening maternal and child health services by engaging men in safe reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) practices.
MHAs supported ASHAs in referrals to health facilities, motivated families for safe deliveries, and educated male villagers on family planning, birth spacing, and non‑scalpel vasectomy. They played a vital role in Village Health & Nutrition Days (VHNDs) by mobilizing households, accompanying mothers and children for immunizations, and reaching remote habitations.