Most maternal and child deaths occur despite known and affordable treatments being available. The need of the hour is to improve access to quality basic health services for women and children, which can save millions of lives. Improving maternal and child health is also a key National Health Goal under the National Health Mission (NHM).
Cognizant Foundation’s Commitment to Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health
Cognizant Foundation is dedicated to improving health outcomes across vulnerable populations, with a strong focus on maternal and child health, congenital heart disease (CHD) in children, and the health of adolescent girls. These initiatives aim to address critical public health challenges through community-based, system-aligned, and sustainable interventions.
Enhancing Maternal and Child Health
Globally, maternal and infant mortality remain pressing concerns, with India contributing significantly to these statistics. Inadequate access to quality prenatal and neonatal care often leads to preventable deaths and long-term health complications. Cognizant Foundation addresses these issues by supporting community-level interventions that promote safe pregnancies and healthy births. Their programs focus on strengthening Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), improving labor and delivery care, and conducting immunization and awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates while ensuring that children receive the care needed for healthy development.
Care for Children’s Heart Health
Congenital Heart Defect (CHD), one of the most common birth defects in India, affects 8 to 12 per 1,000 live births and accounts for nearly 10% of infant deaths. Many CHD cases require urgent medical or surgical intervention, yet access to such care remains limited, especially in rural areas. Cognizant Foundation’s CHD program focuses on early detection through screening camps and ensures that affected children receive timely, high-quality treatment at no cost. By aligning with public health systems and national priorities, the program ensures that underprivileged families can access life-saving care without financial burden.
Improving the Health of Adolescent Girls
Adolescent girls in India face a range of health challenges, including high rates of anemia, malnutrition, and limited access to reproductive health services. According to NFHS-5, over 59% of adolescent girls are anemic. Cognizant Foundation’s initiative targets these issues through biannual health screenings, awareness sessions on hygiene and reproductive health, and promotion of key vaccinations like HPV. The program also facilitates access to government health services, aiming to break the cycle of poor health and empower girls with the knowledge and care they need to thrive.
Together, these initiatives reflect Cognizant Foundation’s holistic approach to building healthier communities and fostering long-term social impact.
Our representative partner list includes - Aishwarya Trust, Calcutta Rescue, Committed Communities Development Trust (CCDT), Ekam Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
