Technology teaches Salma about Sexual and Reproductive Health
Once a bright student, Salma's future was jeopardised when she was married off at the age of 17 due to her family's economic constraints. After her marriage, she moved to her in-law's house, and a few months later, she became pregnant. Unfortunately, she faced severe health complications during her pregnancy, including fatigue and poor appetite. Due to a lack of awareness about how to take care of herself, Salma felt helpless, and her situation deteriorated rapidly.
A victim of child marriage
Child marriage is a common practice in this community which is a part of the Chikkaballapur district in Karnataka, India. Salma's family was not an exception. Her marriage was a result of economic constraints, which made her family decide to get her married early. Due to the lack of awareness about sexual reproductive health and rights, Salma's early marriage, early pregnancy and subsequent health complications made her a victim of child exploitation.
Leveraging Technology for Sexual Health Care
As part of our Initiatives for Married Adolescent Girls’ Empowerment (IMAGE) programme in India, Salma was introduced to a mobile application called the Nutree app launched by the Foundation for Mother and Child Health (FMCH). The app leverages technology to provide SRHR services to adolescent girls in underprivileged areas. Our field staff noted down her symptoms and shared with her a customised diet plan generated by the app. The app also suggested that she take nutritional supplements and calcium tablets which we gave her.
After using the app, her haemoglobin levels improved to 11 and she now consumes four nutritious meals a day. The app also made her aware of post-natal care and the ill effects of early pregnancy. We supported her in accessing a ‘mother card’ which helps her avail services from the local health centre free of cost.
Salma’s future plans
“I am more confident now. I also learnt that it is important to practice birth spacing for a healthy life for me and my child. I have decided to take a minimum 3 year gap till the next child. Accessible technology has helped me learn more about my health.”, she said.
Ms. Salma and her family members were also counselled about the importance of education and she was motivated to complete her further studies. She has been registered as a private candidate with educational support from our project.
“I want to study and become a nurse”, she said.
Salma's case is an excellent example of the effectiveness of technology in bringing about positive change in the lives of vulnerable children.
