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Mumbai, India’s most “modern” city, is perhaps
best described as a paradox – the centre of
opportunity and the locus of poverty. With
thousands of people migrating into the city
every month, a majority of its population living
in urban slums constantly deals with issues such
as unemployment, lack of water, poor or complete
absence of sewerage and waste management
facilities, pollution, and as a result of all
these, very poor health conditions.
Niramaya Health Foundation, founded in June
2001, is a non-profit, non-government, community
based health services organization, committed to
improving the health of these communities.
Originally an endeavor of Pratham Mumbai
Education Initiative (www.pratham.org) to
improve the health of balwadi going children in
August 1999, Niramaya has over the years changed
its focus from primarily preschool children to
one that covers different aspects of community
health.
Niramaya’s field areas in Mumbai include
Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Mankhurd, Govandi, Wadala,
Dharavi and Kurla on the Central Railway, and
Kurar, Poisar and Madh on the Western side.
Niramaya is also working with communities in the
cities of Pune, Surat and Delhi, and in the
states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. |