India, a country of 1 billion people is soon to pass China in total population. It is
predominately a rural country,  with 70% living in villages. India has been a pioneer in family planning, with public reproductive
health programs available since the 1950s. Even so, its population has doubled in the last 30 years. Over 350 million people live in
dire poverty and 400 million are illiterate. The average crop land per person has shrunk by half since 1960. Rotary Districts 3160 (Guntakal, India) and
6910 (Georgia, USA) joined together on a WCS Matching Grant project. Along with a Matching Grant from the Rotary Foundation,
they funded a mobile medical van to:
- Provide primary health care to villages
- Show videos and perform street plays demonstrating the benefits of Family Planning
- Provide reproductive health care to over 2,000 families
This project was highly successful. In addition to providing primary health care services
to the families of the area, the educational programs have allowed 2,000 families to work
to improve their lives. Past District Governor Dr. Hari Reddy (now deceased) from D-3160 was directly involved in the project.
Whether a poor family has 2 or 15 children has a significant bearing on their ability to be educated and healthy.
Condoms are free from the Indian government, but have less than 10% use. Other
methods are usually only accepted by the upper, educated class. Poverty, illiteracy, and
suspicion prevail among millions - even though there is little religious opposition or taboo connected with Family Planning.
This project is an excellent example of a WCS Project proposed and designed by local
Rotarians, that fits the religious and cultural values of the area, and is accepted by the local community. |
