2023, VOL. 9 ISSUE 1, PART D
Abstract:Odisha, like many other parts of India, faces significant challenges related to women's health. The state has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in India, and access to reproductive health services, including contraception and safe abortion, is limited, especially in rural areas. Malnutrition is a significant problem among women in Odisha, and violence against women, including domestic violence and sexual assault, is prevalent. To address these issues, the state government has launched various initiatives, such as the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and Mamata scheme, the Prerna scheme, the Odisha State Food Security Scheme, and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program. The graph provided in the text shows the percentages of literacy, family planning, anemia, and tobacco and liquor use for two different locations, Cuttack and Koraput. It provides some basic information about the health and social habits of the populations in Cuttack and Koraput, other factors such as age, gender, socio-economic status, and access to healthcare may also play a role in determining these outcomes.
It also provided in the percentages of different contraceptive methods used by women in Cuttack and Koraput. The most common modern contraceptive method in both districts is female sterilization, with a higher percentage of women using it in Koraput than in Cuttack. To address the disparities in reproductive health outcomes between women in rural and urban Odisha, as well as the gender gap that exists in this regard, it is crucial to improve access to reproductive health services and information. This can be achieved by providing women with education on reproductive health and family planning, increasing access to contraception, and ensuring that healthcare services are available and accessible to all women, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. It is also essential to challenge gender norms and stereotypes that limit women's access to education and healthcare, promote gender equality, and empower women to make informed choices about their reproductive health. By working together, healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders, and individuals can strive towards a future where all women have access to the reproductive healthcare and resources they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.