- Project Sneha supports seven villages in Dahod district, addressing high anaemia prevalence among women and children through healthcare and nutrition-focused interventions.
- The initiative focuses on community awareness, IFA supplementation, dietary improvements, and strengthening access to healthcare services to drive sustainable change.
Gujarat, Ahmedabad 21 February 2025: Anaemia remains a significant public health challenge in India, particularly among women and children. In alignment with national efforts to address this issue, HDB Financial Services (HDBFS), in partnership with CHETNA, continues to drive impactful interventions in Gujarat through Project Sneha. Operating across seven villages in Dahod district, the initiative is focused on improving maternal and child health by enhancing access to nutrition and healthcare services.
With anaemia affecting 87% of children aged 6-9 months, over 75% of non-pregnant women, and 69% of pregnant women in the region, Project Sneha is designed to create sustainable improvements in health outcomes. The initiative brings together a combination of community awareness programs, targeted nutrition workshops, and recipe demonstrations using locally available iron-rich foods to encourage healthier dietary habits. It also ensures consistent Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation, regular haemoglobin testing, and strengthened healthcare referrals, empowering women and families with the resources needed to address anaemia effectively.
In addition to individual interventions, Project Sneha extends its impact through large-scale awareness drives, community health camps, and Nutrition Melas, reinforcing the importance of preventive care and long-term behavioural change. HDBFS and CHETNA’s initiatives have already shown measurable success with past efforts that have led to a 42% reduction in anaemia rates among women and an increase in antenatal check-ups from 10% to 95%. Building on this progress, the initiative now aims to reduce anaemia prevalence by 25% over the next 15 months, directly benefiting around 2,000 women and their families in Dahod.
Ms. Shirley Thomas, Head- Human Resources, HDBFS, said “At HDBFS, we are committed to improving healthcare access and building awareness at the grassroots level. Project Sneha is a testament to this commitment, bringing together essential interventions that drive lasting change. By enhancing nutritional education and strengthening healthcare access, we aim to create a meaningful impact on the lives of women and children in Dahod.”
Ms. Pallavi Patel, Director, CHETNA, added “Anaemia continues to be a critical challenge in rural areas due to limited healthcare access and inadequate nutrition. Through Project Sneha, we are equipping women and children with the knowledge and resources to adopt healthier dietary habits using locally available foods. With HDBFS’s continued support, we strive to build stronger, self-reliant communities and create lasting health improvements.”
With its continued efforts in Dahod, Project Sneha reinforces HDBFS’s commitment to improving maternal and child health through sustainable interventions. By focusing on nutrition awareness, healthcare access, and community engagement, the initiative aims to create lasting health improvements. HDBFS remains dedicated to addressing anaemia at the grassroots level and empowering communities with the resources for a healthier future.
