HYDERABAD: The George Institute for Global Health India, in partnership with the University of Oxford, NIMHANS, and UNICEF, convened a regional consultation on “Maternal Mental Health for Rural Telangana” in Hyderabad on Thursday. The event focused on the unique challenges faced by women in rural areas and explored strategies for enhancing maternal mental health.
The consultation gathered 20 representatives from six districts in Telangana, including members from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), women’s collectives, and district health departments. The discussions emphasized the need for an integrated Perinatal Mental Health (PRAMH) intervention that addresses modifiable social determinants of health.
Key discussion points included identifying the major challenges in maternal mental health in rural India, understanding the impact of social determinants on mental health, and exploring actionable solutions. The consultation provided insights into effective strategies for maternal mental health support and stressed the importance of building strong collaborations among NGOs, CBOs, and government agencies to ensure sustainable implementation and long-term impact.
Experts underscored the necessity of a framework that integrates social factors into mental health care during pregnancy and childbirth. They advocated for interventions that not only address maternal mental health but also tackle underlying social issues such as gender inequality, poverty, domestic violence, and stigma.
Dr. Vinod Babji, Medical Officer and Nodal Officer of NCDS, Siddipet, Telangana, highlighted the significance of addressing perinatal mental health. “Identifying and providing preventive care is crucial for promoting maternal health and ensuring positive pregnancy outcomes. Untreated mental health issues can escalate into more serious conditions over time. Prevention is always better than cure,” Dr. Babji stated.
The consultation reinforced the need for targeted interventions that address both mental health and the broader social determinants affecting maternal health in rural Telangana.
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