ARTH undertook evidence-based advocacy for maternal-neonatal health (including safe abortion) across the seven divisions of Rajasthan state, using a gender, rights and health systems approach, in collaboration with the Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Rajasthan.
The focus of ARTH’s advocacy efforts emerged from the various research studies that it had conducted. One of these was a qualitative study on neonatal care and childbirth practices at home and institutions, another was a quantitative survey of delivery practices, and there were 2 verbal autopsy studies for maternal deaths. These studies had thrown light on very crucial issues, including quality of delivery services, referral mechanisms, timing of discharge, costs of services and immediate neonatal and maternal care at home and in institutions.
As a part of this advocacy, various activities were carried out:
