Introduction
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At Development Consortium, our Health domain is driven by a commitment to tackle the pressing health challenges facing India’s diverse populations, especially its youth. Through our comprehensive health initiatives, we address critical areas such as Adolescent Health (AHAP), Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC), anemia reduction, HIV prevention and treatment, widespread immunization, and nutritional fortification. The latest findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) are alarming:
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Nearly 67% of children aged 6–59 months are anaemic
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Only 76.5% of children aged 12–23 months have received all basic vaccinations
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35.5% of children under five are stunted, and 32.1% are underweight​
India also faces ongoing challenges in HIV prevention and care, with an estimated 2.3 million people living with HIV (PLHIV) and 63,000 new infections reported in 2021 alone. Despite progress, many PLHIV—especially from marginalized groups—continue to lack consistent access to treatment and support.
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When it comes to sexual and reproductive health, millions of young Indians still face barriers to accurate information, stigma-free conversations, and access to services. According to UNESCO, only 50% of young people in India have comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention, and many report discomfort in discussing sex, contraception, or relationships—even with close peers or family.
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Our programs are designed to enhance the well-being of individuals through targeted interventions that promote health education, improve access to essential services, and foster healthier communities. By integrating a wide range of health services, we aim to build a resilient public health infrastructure that supports sustainable development and empowers individuals to lead healthier lives.
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Under our health domain, Development Consortium (DC) strategically addresses multiple health challenges integral to our society's well-being. With a focus on anemia reduction, enhanced immunization coverage, strengthened family planning, and improved women's health, our initiatives such as Sampushti, Fortify Health, Suvita, and Love Matters India are at the forefront of promoting sustainable health solutions. These projects reflect DC's commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3), reducing hunger (SDG 2), and advancing gender equality (SDG 5).
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Each initiative is tailored to align with significant national health priorities, including the Government of India's Anaemia Mukt Bharat (Anaemia-Free India) Programme, Universal Immunization Programme, and the National Family Welfare Programme. This alignment ensures that our efforts are complementary and synergistic with broader public health strategies, thereby amplifying the impact of our interventions. By integrating these government initiatives with our innovative approaches, DC not only addresses immediate health needs but also contributes to systemic changes that foster healthier communities.
Nutrition for Every Stage of Life
Tackling Anemia in Children, Adolescents and Enhancing Maternal and Newborn Health
In India, anemia among adolescents and the health of mothers and newborns present critical public health challenges that demand immediate action. Despite various health initiatives, anemia remains highly prevalent among adolescents, which significantly impacts their growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being.
Anaemia is a condition in which the blood has less haemoglobin than normal which reduces the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen through the body resulting in symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and significant physical and cognitive impairment. The National Family Health Survey 5 (2019-21) reveals that 25% of men (15-49 years) and 57% of women (15-49 years) are anemic, with particularly high rates among children (67.1% aged 6-59 months) and pregnant women (52.2%). The key challenges that affect the anemic population of India are plenty.
Sampushti: Nutrition for Every Stage of Life
Sampushti: Nutrition for Every Stage of Life
Similarly, maternal and newborn health continues to be an area requiring intensified focus, as complications during pregnancy and childbirth can lead to long-term adverse effects on both mothers and their children.
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These pressing issues underscore the need for comprehensive health strategies that not only address the symptoms but also tackle the root causes of these health problems. Ensuring proper nutritional intake, enhancing access to healthcare, and promoting health education are crucial steps in this direction. It is within this context that Development Consortium has launched its ambitious Sampushti program in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, targeting children and adolescents aged 0-19 years.
The Sampushti program is designed to transform the landscape of adolescent, maternal, and newborn health through targeted interventions and sustainable health solutions. By focusing on these areas, we aim to lay a strong foundation for a healthier future, aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals and national health priorities to create a significant and lasting impact.
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The project works in three modules: Adolescent Health Anemia Project, Home Based Nutrition Camps, and A Comprehensive Nutrition Initiative for Children Aged 5-10 Years under Suposhit Gram Panchayat Program, a collaborative initiative by Development Consortium in partnership with Eurofins Foundation and supported by the Health and Education Departments.
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To know more about Sampushti, click here. Read about the impact of Sampushti through stories such as this.
Ensuring Every Child is Vaccinated
Sampushti: Nutrition for Every Stage of Life
According to a recent UNICEF report, India has a high number of 'zero dose children' i.e. children who did not receive any vaccines. In 2022, 14.3 million infants did not receive the first DPT vaccine globally, pointing to a lack of access to immunization and other health services. An additional 6.2 million are partially vaccinated. According to NFHS-5, 2019-21, the country's full immunization coverage stands at 76.1 per cent, which means that one out of every four children is missing out on essential vaccines.
In India, infectious diseases continue to contribute to a significant proportion of child mortality and morbidity. Nearly one million children die before their fifth birthday. Many of these deaths are preventable and can be averted by interventions such as breastfeeding, immunization and access to treatment. Project Suvita aims to improve routine immunisation uptake in children through two parallel programmes - the SMS Reminders Programme and Immunisation Ambassadors Programme.
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The SMS Reminders Programme focuses on sending SMS reminders to caregivers to provide timely nudges on upcoming vaccinations (and additionally pregnancy related health care messages in Maharashtra and postpartum family planning messages in Bihar). First, data is collected on pregnancies or recent births, after which Suvita sends fully automated and personalised reminders along the child’s immunisation schedule.
In both states, Suvita also maintains a phone line for parents to address queries or problems. Follow-up surveys are then conducted to monitor programme impact. Suvita also sends health reminders to pregnant women during pregnancy in Maharashtra.
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To know more about Suvita, click here.
HIV Care
Sampushti: Nutrition for Every Stage of Life
India has the third-highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS globally, with an estimated 2.3 million people living with HIV in 2021 with India ranking third on the number of people living with HIV globally. PLHIV are often marginalized groups with limited access to health care and resources. Providing essential healthcare to these communities is essential when it comes to battling the illness.
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Around 63,000 new HIV infections were reported in 2021.
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In 2021, India had an estimated 2.3 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), with a 0.21% adult HIV prevalence rate, and 63,000 new infections.
The SSHAKTI – Care and Support Centre 2.0 (CSC 2.0) Program aims to enhance HIV care and support for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) by improving treatment adherence, viral suppression, and access to social entitlements. Implemented by the Development Consortium with YRGCARE, it complements India’s National AIDS Control Programme to bridge critical gaps in HIV care and achieve the goal of HIV elimination by 2030.
Program Focus: CSC 2.0 aims to:
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Facilitate early initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
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Track and re-engage individuals lost to follow-up (LFU)
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Support viral suppression
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Connect PLHIV to essential social entitlements
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Targeted groups include newly diagnosed PLHIV, pregnant and lactating women, HIV-exposed infants, and those lost to follow-up, ensuring comprehensive care throughout the HIV treatment continuum.
To know more about Sshakti, click here.
Fighting Anemia Through Fortified Atta
Project Fortify Health has a vision for a healthier world where everyone has the micronutrients they need to survive and thrive. They work toward this by enabling access to micronutrient-rich wheat flour (chakki atta) to reduce and prevent iron deficiency anemia.
The most common form of anaemia in India and globally is iron-deficiency anaemia. One potential way of preventing and reducing iron-deficiency anaemia is food fortification. Fortification is the addition of essential micronutrients to staple foods - such as rice, milk, edible oil, salt and flour - to reduce micronutrient deficiencies (like iron deficiency anaemia) at scale.
Fortify Health adopts a multi-faceted approach to fortification. The project partners with local atta millers to encourage the addition of essential vitamins and minerals into wheat flour. This collaboration is facilitated through the provision of equipment, high-quality premixes for fortification, and comprehensive training to ensure adherence to the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
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Moreover, Fortify Health actively engages with government authorities to ensure that fortified atta is incorporated into various government-sponsored programs, including school meals and the public distribution system (PDS).
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To know more about Fortify Health, click here.
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SRH for Young People
Fortify Health: Fighting Anemia Through Fortified Atta
India faces significant sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, particularly among young people who often lack access to accurate information and supportive services. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) remains largely absent leaving many vulnerable to misinformation, risky behaviors, and poor health outcomes.
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Compounding this issue is the widespread dissemination of misinformation about reproductive health. A report titled "Health Misinformation Vectors in India" highlights rampant online misinformation regarding reproductive health, impacting medical decisions and leading to poor health outcomes. ​
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In this context, initiatives like Love Matters India play a crucial role. As a digital platform focused on love, sex, and relationships, it offers non-judgmental, rights-based, and scientific SRH information in Hindi and English. By leveraging digital media and storytelling, Love Matters creates safe spaces for young people to learn, ask questions, and engage in open dialogue—free from stigma or shame.​
This is essential in a setting where 45% of pregnancies are unintended and 27% of women lack access to modern contraceptives. By providing accurate information and fostering open discussions, Love Matters India empowers young people to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and futures.
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Positioned at the intersection of media and public health, Love Matters utilizes technology, popular culture, and storytelling to connect young individuals with Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) organizations and service providers.
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With over 20 million visitors and a significant social media presence, Love Matters India has made substantial strides in educating and engaging its audience. The ongoing dialogue on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube fosters a broad community of informed youths who are well-equipped to discuss and manage their sexual health.
Love Matters India has won several awards for its pioneering work in the field of youth CSE and SRH.
Click here to find out more about Love Matters India. Read here how Love Matters builds capacity for young people in India.
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Driving Change, Aligning with National and Global Goals
Love Matters India: SRH for Young People
By integrating education, service delivery, digital outreach, and local partnerships, our health initiatives go beyond temporary fixes. They build long-term resilience—especially among India’s most underserved populations. Our work directly supports India's national health priorities, including the Anaemia Mukt Bharat, Universal Immunisation Programme and the National Family Welfare Programme While advancing global goals under the SDG framework.
