Rachna Rajput (left), an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), provides immunization services in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh.
Caring for a pregnant woman means protecting not just one life, but two. It’s a promise of health, hope, and a brighter future for both mother and child.
These heartfelt words come from Rachna Rajput, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) at the Umrarkhera Urban Primary Health Center (UPHC) in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh. For over a decade, Rachna has been a pillar of her community, providing vital health services – immunizations, antenatal and postnatal care, and family planning – to women and children who need them most.
Reflecting on her early days, Rachna recalls:
When I began this journey, it wasn’t easy. People did not know me. There was hesitation, even mistrust. Slowly, as I helped them access health services and government welfare schemes, the trust started building.
That trust, along with the support of two committed Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), gradually transformed her work. Rachna coached her ASHAs to empower Mahila Arogya Samiti (MAS) members, promoting essential health behaviors such as early and exclusive breastfeeding and timely immunization.
Her leadership and dedication have also made her a strong coach for The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in India. Through TCI, Rachna received training on counseling techniques, integrated service delivery, and data use – especially during Urban Health and Nutrition Days (UHNDs).
The trainings increased my confidence and helped me communicate more effectively with the community. I learnt to integrate family planning with maternal and child health services, and how to use data for better decision-making. One of my most valuable tools is the UPHC dashboard, set up with TCI India’s support. It allows us to track month-wise data, review trends and plan more effectively.
Rachna’s daily routine reflects her commitment and coordination:
A day before every Routine Immunization (RI) session, I visit the community with the ASHA to finalize the due list of children. After the session, I follow up with families who missed it and encourage them to come next time.
She also monitors children post-vaccination for adverse reactions, keeps detailed records in the Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) register, and follows up with families during field visits. Her focus on informed care is evident:
During RI and UHND sessions, I make sure every mother clearly understands five key things: the name of the vaccine that was given, the disease it protects against; whether it requires a booster and when is it due; the possible side effects and how to manage them; and last but not the least, on why it is important to keep the RI card safe.
Rachna’s work doesn’t end with vaccines. She provides antenatal check-ups, counseling on nutrition and self-care, and supports postpartum family planning – empowering families to make informed choices for a healthier future.
She acknowledges ongoing barriers:
Of course, challenges persist. Some people still fear vaccines, especially if their child experiences mild side effects. But with the support of our Medical Officer In-charge, we counsel such families, address their concerns and continue moving forward.
What keeps her going is the gratitude she receives from her community:
When someone tells me, ‘You give such good advice and services, it really helps us and our children,’ it fills me with pride. These words make every effort, every challenge, worthwhile.
