MAM
ZEE & SNEHA unite for maternal health program benefiting 8,000 women in Bhiwandi
Mumbai: On International Women’s Day, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), India’s leading content company, shed light on the groundbreaking initiative – Integrated Maternal and Child Health Program developed in partnership with the Society for Nutrition Education and Health Action (SNEHA). The program developed for communities in Bhiwandi, Thane District, stood as a beacon of empowerment for women across the region.
Recognising the urgent need for action, ZEE partnered with SNEHA to bolster this vital project, which has touched the lives of over 8,000 women from September 2022. Operating within Bhiwandi’s vulnerable communities, including married women of reproductive age, children aged 0-2 years, dedicated community volunteers, and essential systems staff; the program addressed a myriad of pressing health concerns. With ZEE’s support, SNEHA conducted a comprehensive assessment, uncovering prevalent health issues such as maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, along with the alarming rates of communicable and non-communicable diseases like tuberculosis and hypertension and diabetes within Bhiwandi’s 44 per cent urban slum population. The community grappled with a staggering 24 per cent rate of home-based child deliveries, coupled with late registration for hospital delivery, subpar immunization rates, and distressing instances of gender-based violence.
In response to these challenges, ZEE and SNEHA collaboratively developed and implemented a pioneering community-based urban healthcare model, addressing reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) concerns. This holistic approach extended to combating malnutrition, gender-based violence (GBV), tuberculosis (TB), and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in close partnership with the local public health systems in Bhiwandi.
Neonatologist and SNEHA founder Dr Armida Fernandez said, “We established SNEHA in response to the dire health challenges faced by low-income households, especially mothers and children. Our goal is to improve health-seeking behaviour and enhance the quality of public health services in underserved communities. Witnessing the transformation of 8,000 women through our program fills us with immense gratitude, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable support received from ZEE.”
Reflecting on the significance of this program and its success, ZEE president – HR and transformation Animesh Kumar said, “Partnering with SNEHA on this transformative initiative has been an incredibly fulfilling journey for us. Together, we’ve not only empowered communities but also created a tangible impact on maternal and child health in Bhiwandi. By synergizing our resources and expertise, we’ve reached thousands of women and children, providing them with the crucial support and care needed for a healthier tomorrow. Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, the success of this project serves as a powerful testament to the immense potential of collective action in driving positive change and fostering inclusive growth.”
Since the inception of the partnership, there has been a 12 per cent increase in the adoption of modern contraception methods among women. This substantial growth is testament to the fact that it provided women with a newfound agency to make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
The comprehensive approach implemented by SNEHA and ZEE resulted in tangible improvements in community health indicators, with noticeable reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality rates, increased access to essential healthcare services, and heightened awareness about preventive measures. Furthermore, the collaborative effort fostered a sense of empowerment among women, enabling them to take charge of their health and well-being, thus paving the way for a brighter and healthier future for generations to come.
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UP govt, HGS unit to skill one lakh youth in digital push
MoU targets jobs, training and future ready talent across state
MUMBAI: Government of Uttar Pradesh has joined hands with OneOTT Intertainment Limited, the broadband arm of Hinduja Global Solutions, to train one lakh youth, signalling a fresh push towards jobs in the digital economy.
The memorandum of understanding, signed with the Employment Department Uttar Pradesh, aims to bridge the gap between skills and industry needs while opening up employment pathways for young people across the state.
The agreement was formalised by principal secretary, labour and employment, M. K. Shanmugha Sundaram and whole-time director, Hinduja Global Solutions and MD and CEO, OneOTT Intertainment Limited, Vynsley Fernandes, in the presence of labour minister Anil Rajbhar.
Under the partnership, OneOTT Intertainment Limited will roll out training programmes, workshops and knowledge-sharing platforms designed to equip youth with skills aligned to a rapidly digitising economy. The initiative will also include research inputs, technical guidance and policy-level support to ensure effective execution.
Principal secretary, labour and employment, M. K. Shanmugha Sundaram, said, “This collaboration will help align skill development programmes with actual industry needs and prepare the youth of Uttar Pradesh for emerging opportunities in the digital services sector.”
Hinduja Global Solutions whole-time director, and OneOTT Intertainment Limited MD and CEO Vynsley Fernandes said, “India’s progress is closely linked to strengthening the capabilities of its young workforce. At HGS, we see skills evolving alongside technology, and partnerships like this help build a stronger digital ecosystem.”
The state government will facilitate coordination across departments and institutions, ensuring the programmes reach the right audiences and deliver measurable outcomes.
As digital infrastructure expands and technology reshapes job markets, initiatives like this are positioning skill development not just as training, but as a gateway to opportunity for the next generation.
