Latest news with #Kilkari
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kilkari and mMitra: How Google DeepMind is helping improve maternal health
ARMMAN , a Mumbai-based non-profit focused on maternal health , is leveraging AI with pro bono support from Google DeepMind to enhance its outreach programs, Kilkari and mMitra , and is said to be yielding promising results in improving maternal and child health across India. Kilkari, the world's largest mobile-based maternal health program, partners with India's Ministry of Health to deliver weekly audio messages on pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare to over 60 million women across 27 states. These free calls, starting in the second trimester and continuing until a year post-delivery, aim to reduce healthcare lapses. However, a 23% drop-off rate prompted ARMMAN to collaborate with Google DeepMind to develop an AI model that predicts optimal call times by analyzing anonymized individual and group call behaviors. A pilot in Odisha with 17,500 participants showed a 12% increase in call pickup rates for certain time slots, enhancing the delivery of critical health information. Similarly, ARMMAN's mMitra program, serving 350,000 women in Maharashtra, used AI to identify participants at risk of disengaging. By prioritizing them for personalized outreach, including in-person support, the program retained 30% of high-risk participants. A health impact assessment revealed significant improvements: women prioritized by the AI were 22% more likely to take iron supplements, 28% more likely to take calcium, and 9% better at tracking their babies' birth weights. These programs also foster social change, empowering women to advocate for better healthcare and rights for their daughters. ARMMAN's AI-driven approach, replacing assumptions with data-driven insights, demonstrates technology's potential to address global health challenges. With plans for nationwide expansion and open-sourced models, ARMMAN aims to inspire similar innovations worldwide, proving AI's role as an accelerant for progress in maternal health.
Hans India
04-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
DMHO attends ASHA review meeting at UPHC
Kurnool: An ASHA review meeting was conducted at the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Erraburuzu, in Kurnool on Tuesday. The meeting was graced by the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), Dr Shantikala, who addressed the gathering and reviewed various key agenda points concerning the ASHA workers and public health programs. Speaking on the occasion, she noted that ASHA workers must ensure timely and accurate uploading of eligible couple services, iron and Vitamin-A supplement distribution, and newborn care details on the ASHA mobile app as part of the ASHA Day agenda. Awareness must be actively promoted regarding seasonal diseases such as malaria, dengue, and diarrhea to ensure early prevention and control. Pregnant women should be educated about the Kilkari voice message service, which provides vital maternal and child health information from the 4th month of pregnancy until the child reaches one year of age. These messages are delivered from the number 01244451660. Public awareness should be raised about the availability of free health services at Urban Health Centres. Citizens should be encouraged to bring their Aadhaar number and phone number when availing OPD services. The ongoing survey related to non-communicable diseases under the NCD 3.0 programme must be completed at the earliest. The session served as a crucial platform to strengthen grassroots health initiatives and reinforce the role of ASHA workers in improving community health outcomes.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Summer camps in Bihar offer kids a world of new skills
1 2 Patna: There was a time when summer holidays meant one thing – a nostalgic, unhurried visit to Nani ka Ghar. Today, that quaint tradition is giving way to a more dynamic trend. Across Bihar, children are choosing to spend their summers immersed in learning new skills, experimenting with science and even picking up fresh languages – all thanks to an expanding array of summer camps that promise both education and entertainment. From private and govt schools to cultural and scientific institutions, summer camps are flourishing across the state. Experts in child education endorse these camps as vital platforms for developing young minds. "These programmes allow children to make meaningful use of their holidays while nurturing creativity and confidence," said an academic. This year, a range of engaging summer activities are being hosted by institutions such as Bihar Bal Bhawan Kilkari, Shri Krishna Science Centre, Upendra Maharathi Shilp Anusandhan Sansthan and Premchand Rangshala – each with a unique offering. At the heart of it all is Kilkari, Bihar Bal Bhawan's flagship programme under the Bihar Education Project Council. From June 2 to June 20, its Saidpur campus will reverberate with laughter, music and learning during its "Chak Dhoom-Dhoom" summer camp. The inaugural rain dance is set to usher in a season of exuberance. "This year, we are introducing artificial intelligence along with our regular activities," said Jyoti Parihar, director of Kilkari. "Children will get hands-on training in dance, music, acting, photography, computers, science exhibits, painting, sculpture-making and creative writing," she added. The camp's sports offerings – taekwondo, karate, badminton, chess and skating – are another highlight. "Outdoor activities are a hit with kids," she added. Skilled instructors from Delhi, Mumbai, West Bengal, Gujarat and beyond will mentor the children, who can register for a mere Rs 10 per activity. The Shri Krishna Science Centre is transforming curiosity into creativity through its Summer Hobby Camp. Here, science becomes an adventure with programmes in electronics, chemistry, astronomy and robotics. Children are guided through interactive puzzles and hands-on experiments with themed activities like "Fun with Electronics", "Make Your Wireless Robotic Car" and "Colourful Chemistry". Young visitors can also explore engaging galleries such as Science on a Sphere, the Hall of Evolution and the Ocean Zone – making it an immersive journey into the world of science. For those with a creative flair, the Upendra Maharathi Shilp Anusandhan Sansthan is offering a window into India's rich craft traditions. Running from June 1 to June 10, the camp is designed to nurture artistic talent. "This camp will give children a unique opportunity to hone their creativity and connect with traditional art forms," said trainer Hema Devi. Children will also tour the Handicraft Museum, which boasts an exquisite collection of stone and wood carvings, Madhubani paintings, papier mâché, tikuli art, bamboo work and more. From June 10 to June 20, Premchand Rangshala will stage "Dhoom Pichak Dhoom", a lively camp that opens its doors to children up to 16 years of age – completely free of cost. Sessions from 7am to 10am will introduce participants to ballet, stage play, painting and other traditional dances. On a national scale, the CBSE's Indian Language Summer Camp 2025 aligns with the National Education Policy's vision of multilingualism. Hosted across CBSE-affiliated schools, the week-long camp gives students the opportunity to learn one of 22 Indian languages, delving into cultural expressions through stories, music, dance and food. NCERT has released a comprehensive digital curriculum with audio-visual support and schools will conduct 28 hours of engaging activities such as storytelling, shopping simulations, cultural performances and vocabulary-based games. "The creation of Indian Language Clubs will help students practise their skills beyond the camp and celebrate linguistic diversity," said an official. Recognising the need for targeted support, the education department will run a mathematics camp from June 2 to June 21 for students of classes V and VI in govt schools who struggle with the subject. Conducted by engineering students, the initiative aims to strengthen foundational maths skills. Sessions will be held in morning and evening shifts with 10-15 students per group. "Children will be selected using ASER tools and trained within their own communities," said director of primary education, Sahila. For many children, the summer camp is not just a break from routine, but a doorway to discovery. "Summer holidays are the perfect time to learn new things," said Suhashni Goel, a Class VII student. "Apart from swimming classes, I am learning programming and Madhubani painting. After the 15-day camp, I will head to my grandparents' home," she added. Askshat, a Class IX student, said, "Last year I joined outdoor activities. This year, I will be attending a summer camp before visiting my Nani's place in Vaishali. I want to learn guitar this time."
Hans India
11-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
District immunisation officer reviews vaccination drive
Kurnool: Dr Naga Prasad Babu, District Immunization Officer, inspected the immunization programme underway at the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in Weaker Section Colony on Saturday. During his visit, he stressed the need to ensure that all prescribed vaccines are administered promptly to pregnant women and children under five years of age. Dr Babu directed healthcare workers to meticulously record vaccination details of children and expectant mothers in the U-WIN and Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portals to maintain accurate records and ensure continuity of care. As part of efforts to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, he announced the launch of the Kilkari Message System. Through this initiative, pregnant women will receive weekly voice messages providing crucial healthcare advice. A total of 72 pre-recorded messages, each lasting about 1 minute and 30 seconds, will be sent from the fourth month of pregnancy until one year after childbirth via calls from the number 0124-4451660. Dr Babu informed that if beneficiaries miss any message, they can dial 14423 to listen to them at their convenience. He clarified that these services are completely free of charge. The Kilkari messages will cover four key areas: maternal health, child health, immunization services, and family planning. Delivered in the voice of Dr Anita, the messages are designed to offer timely advice and guidance to mothers and expecting women, enabling them to make informed decisions and access essential healthcare services. Officials expressed confidence that the programme will help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the district. Dr Babu also urged ANMs and ASHA workers to raise awareness about the Kilkari Message System among all pregnant women and mothers with infants below one year of age to ensure maximum participation and benefit from the initiative.
