By Wasim Shaikh, Program Coordinator, CYDA
Nandurbar district in Maharashtra faces many challenges- poor roads, limited access to healthcare, and low awareness about health. Malnutrition, poor maternal care, and low birth weight in newborns are common. In several villages, home births are still preferred, and fear of hospitals often stops families from seeking help. In this setting, a newborn named Sameer was born at home, weighing only 1.8 kg. His mother, Rakma, had gone through her pregnancy with little nutrition, almost no checkups, and no emergency care. His health was critical from the very first day.
Challenge
Sameer needed urgent admission to the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at the district hospital. But his mother refused, influenced by elders in the family and fearing hospitals. Deep-rooted mistrust of the healthcare system and traditional beliefs delayed the treatment he desperately needed.
Intervention
The CYDA team worked with Plan International under the Nutrition India Program to address severe malnutrition and ensure timely hospital care for children at risk. Health workers, along with the CYDA team, visited Sameer’s home repeatedly to counsel the family, explain the dangers of delaying treatment, and reassure Rakma about hospital care. At first, the family resisted, but persistent visits and emotional support from health worker Ashatai eventually changed their minds.
Impact
By the end of his stay, Sameer’s weight had increased from 1.8 kg to 3.7 kg. His steady recovery encouraged other families in Mukdi village to trust modern healthcare. For Rakma, it was a turning point- she learned that timely medical help can save lives, even if it means challenging traditions. Today, Sameer’s story is told in the village as a symbol of hope, trust, and change – where care and persistence transformed a fragile beginning into a healthy future.
