National Safe Motherhood Day 2022

Context

Every year, 11 April is celebrated as the National Safe Motherhood Day. 

• The day is marked annually in India and aims to raise awareness about the care that a pregnant woman needs before, during, and after childbirth.

History

• This day is celebrated due to the initiative of the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI) to provide and inform women of healthcare habits and for the availability and accessibility of various healthcare programs during pregnancy, childbirth and post-natal services. 
• In 2003, according to the request of WRAI, the Government of India had declared 11 April as National Safe Motherhood Day which is the anniversary day of Kasturba Gandhi's birth. 
• She is wife of Mohan das Karam Chand Gandhi, the father of the nation. 
• Every year WRAI decides the theme of National Safe Motherhood Day.

Significance

• The sole aim of observing this day is to bring people together and make them aware of the adequate care and skills needed for women during pregnancy and post-pregnancy. 
• People should come together to achieve the target of reducing the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 1,00,000 live births.
• Many people still lack the understanding of what a pregnant woman needs and how crucial postnatal care is for the mother and the baby.