Karnataka records 24% drop in maternal deaths | “Koti Vruksha Abhiyan”

Karnataka records 24% drop in maternal deaths

News –

• Karnataka has recorded a 24% reduction in maternal deaths this year — from January to October —compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
• The Health Department had launched the “Mission Zero Preventable Maternal Deaths”

Mission Zero Preventable Maternal Deaths

• It is an initiative launched by the state of Karnataka, India
• Objective – to reduce its maternal mortality rate (MMR).
• Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for Karnataka is 68 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, as per the Sample Registration System (SRS) Special Bulletin for 2021-2023.
• The mission aims to eliminate all preventable maternal deaths by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, services, and monitoring.

Key Components of the Initiative

• The initiative, also integrated into India’s national Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) program, focuses on a multi-pronged strategy to ensure quality and accessible care.
• Infrastructure and Resource Rationalization: The plan involves strengthening all 147 taluk hospitals and 42 well-performing community health centers (CHCs) to provide 24/7 comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC) services.
• Targeting High-Risk Pregnancies: A significant portion of maternal deaths (an estimated 70% in Karnataka) are considered preventable. The mission emphasizes the identification and rigorous tracking of high-risk pregnancies, ensuring timely intervention for complications like hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and anemia.
• Financial and Nutritional Support: The initiative includes provisions for nutritional kits and cash incentives for pregnant and lactating women from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

“Koti Vruksha Abhiyan”

• “Koti Vruksha Abhiyan” has pushed up the forest cover of Vijayapura district.
• “Koti Vruksha Abhiyan” (One Crore Tree Campaign)
• It is a large-scale tree plantation initiative primarily associated with Vijayapura, Karnataka, aimed at transforming the district’s arid landscape.
• Launched in 2015 by Minister M. B. Patil.
• The program has successfully planted over 15 million trees by encouraging community participation through subsidized saplings
• This effort has significantly increased the district’s forest cover, revived ecosystems, brought back wildlife, and inspired other regions.