Home births decline in Malappuram; campaign proves effective

Malappuram: The dangerous practice of giving birth at home is showing a marked decline in Malappuram district. Since the launch of a special campaign in April, only 35 home births have been reported so far. This is a significant reduction compared with the 191 home deliveries recorded in 2024–25. The turning point came on April 6, when news broke of the death of a woman from Perumbavoor who had delivered at home near Kodur.

On the very next day, World Health Day, the health department initiated a dedicated campaign against home births. In January, February, and March 2025 there had been 25, 13, and 23 home deliveries respectively, totalling 61. In the months following the campaign, the numbers fell sharply.

The awareness drive and intensified campaign following the Kodur incident have saved the lives of many mothers and newborns. At a meeting of the District Health and Family Welfare Society Executive Committee, the issue was discussed in detail, and it was resolved to continue efforts to further reduce home births.