Introduction
Poverty and health are closely connected. People who are poor often do not have access to clean water, nutritious food, proper housing, education, and healthcare services. This makes them more vulnerable to illnesses and poor health. One of the most affected groups are mothers and children. In India, poverty continues to affect the health of millions of mothers and children. This article explains how poverty is linked to health, with a special focus on mother and child health in the Indian context.
Understanding Poverty and Its Impact on Health
Poverty means a lack of money and resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. People living in poverty are more likely to face health problems because:
- They cannot afford nutritious food, leading to malnutrition.
- They may live in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions.
- They have limited or no access to healthcare facilities.
- They may not have health insurance or awareness about diseases.
Link Between Poverty and Mother & Child Health
Mother and child health is highly sensitive to poverty. Poor women and children face serious health challenges that affect their growth and survival.
1. Malnutrition
- Pregnant women in poor families may not get enough food or nutrients.
- Malnourished mothers are more likely to give birth to underweight babies.
- Children in poor households are at risk of stunting, wasting, and anemia.
2. Lack of Healthcare Access
- Poor families may not be able to visit doctors or hospitals for regular check-ups.
- Many births still happen at home without skilled medical care, leading to complications.
- Vaccination coverage is lower among poor children.
3. Poor Sanitation and Hygiene
- Many poor families do not have access to clean drinking water or toilets.
- This increases the risk of diarrhea, infections, and skin diseases, especially among children.
4. Education and Awareness
- Uneducated mothers may not be aware of nutrition, hygiene, or childcare practices.
- This affects feeding habits, immunization, and early detection of illnesses.
5. Teenage Pregnancies
- In poor families, girls are often married early and become mothers at a young age.
- This leads to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, risking both mother and child’s life.
6. Anemia and Other Diseases
- Poor women often suffer from iron deficiency (anemia), which increases the risk of maternal deaths.
- Lack of timely treatment for infections and illnesses can be fatal for children.
Indian Context: Statistics and Realities
- According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), 35.5% of children under 5 are stunted, and 32% are underweight.
- Over 50% of pregnant women in India are anemic.
- Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has improved but is still higher in poor states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is higher among poor households compared to wealthy ones.
Government Initiatives
To improve mother and child health, the Indian government has launched several programs:
1. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
- Promotes institutional delivery with financial incentives for poor pregnant women.
2. Poshan Abhiyaan
- Aims to reduce malnutrition among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
3. Anganwadi Services
- Provide supplementary nutrition, immunization, and health check-ups.
4. Ayushman Bharat
- Offers free health insurance to poor families, covering hospitalization and treatment.
Conclusion
Poverty is a major barrier to good health, especially for mothers and children. In India, despite progress in health services, poor families still struggle with malnutrition, lack of access, and poor living conditions. Addressing poverty through better education, nutrition, healthcare, and income support is essential for improving mother and child health. A multi-dimensional approach is needed where the government, NGOs, and communities work together to break the cycle of poverty and poor health.