Aizawl: The Lunglei district administration in Mizoram has earned national recognition from NITI Aayog for its Project BLOOM (Better Living through Outreach, Optimal Maternal and Child Health).
This maternal and child health initiative, launched on 17 June 2023, was recognised as one of 19 best practices selected by NITI Aayog from successful interventions from 329 aspirational districts and 500 aspirational blocks across the country.
Project BLOOM addresses maternal and child health challenges in the Lungsen aspirational block of Lunglei district.
Due to difficult terrains leading to limited Internet access and high logistical costs, this region has always struggled with poor health indicators. Awareness gaps have added to the problems.
Project BLOOM follows a community-driven, convergence-based approach that integrates health, nutrition, transport and behaviour change.
The administration introduced an on-call transport service that prioritises high-risk pregnancies and remote villages. This ensures timely referrals to the district hospitals.
The villagers set up 12 temporary homestays near delivery points to provide accommodation and support until delivery.
The VHSNCs conducted house-to-house surveys to identify pregnant women and malnourished children.
