National Safe Motherhood Day in observed on April 11 every year to promote awareness about the importance of having proper access of pregnant women to healthcare throughout the pregnancy, childbirth and later services.

The campaign was launched by the White Ribbon Alliance (WRAI).

India was once considered one of the world’s most dangerous countries to give birth as it contributed to 15% of all maternal deaths globally.  India recorded deaths of as many as 44,000 women due to poor prenatal care.  With the goal to take immediate action, the government of India acted on WRAI’s proposal and recognized April 11 as National Safe Motherhood Day.

As per records from the World Health Organization, almost 830 women die daily from preventable causes associated with pregnancy. It also said that maternal mortality rates in impoverished nations may reach 99 percent.  Therefore, officials backed the programme to create awareness and work towards Sustainable Development Goals for lowering global maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.

The theme for National Safe Motherhood Day 2022 is to remain at home amid coronavirus, protect mother and infant from the virus’ infection. National Safe Motherhood Day is annually observed to pledge to make arrangements for safe motherhood. Since, the Covid-19 outbreak, it has been labeled a public health emergency of international concern.  Arrangements for high-quality care have been made for expectant mothers, regardless of the fact if they are Covid-19 infected or not. The arrangements include prenatal, neonatal, postpartum, perinatal period and psychiatric care.

This apart, April 11 also marks the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, political activist and wife of Mahatma Gandhi.