The following story is part of a series from The Challenge Initiative in India called “Urban Tales,” occasional real-life stories of women and girls in India benefiting from TCI’s work supporting local governments to implement high-impact family planning and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) interventions.
In the heart of Chitwapur, Lucknow, the Urban Family Welfare Center stands as a beacon of health, thanks to the transformative efforts of Dr. Geetanjali Singh. Her prowess lies not just in her medical expertise but in her unique ability to connect health issues to the whole person, not just their sickness. She has made the center famous for helping families with health check-ups, vaccinations, family planning, and even screening for cervical cancer.
One of her memorable contributions is her ability to talk to husbands and wives about family planning. She believes it is essential for couples to make decisions together, saying:
Even though many couples want information about contraceptives, we need to help more men get involved. Some are shy about talking about it, and we need to break the taboo around it.”
Her dedication extends beyond the confines of the health center, especially when addressing the delicate issues of adolescent health. Dr. Geetanjali recognizes adolescence as the opportune age to introduce individuals to contraceptive methods. Implementing separate sessions for boys and girls during monthly adolescent health days, she navigates the sensitive landscape of sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
Realizing that boys are not easily open to discussing sexual issues, Dr. Geetanjali extends her reach into schools and colleges, engaging boys above class eight in open discussions on crucial topics. Her efforts are transformative; the volume of boys seeking information and guidance has increased significantly. She shared:
When a boy visits, I ensure him that things will remain confidential. I have placed a condom box outside the facility, fostering a stigma-free environment where young individuals can access condoms without hesitation. This has increased the footfall of boys, who now bring their friends to the center for discussions on mental and sexual health.”
Dr. Geetanjali’s dedication exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have on the well-being of an entire community, transforming healthcare from a service to a shared journey toward a healthier, more connected society. TCI India is proud to work with her in Chitwapur, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
