Project Example

SUMATA Campaign Materials

The SUMATA initiative was launched on 8 March 2002 as a multilevel SM behavior change initiative designed to support the efforts of the Government of Nepal to reduce the high maternal mortality rate in Nepal.

The initiative primarily addresses husbands and mothers-in-law, calling them to care for their wives/daughters-in-law during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period; to share love, information, and the workload; and to prepare for childbirth and any complications that could occur during that stage. In districts with upgraded Emergency Obstetric Care services, SUMATA includes complication readiness, recognition of danger signs, and seeking emergency care, if required. SUMATA is an acronym for Care, Share, and Prepare.

SUMATA is also an auspicious word for mother in Sanskrit and can be broken down into Surakschhi (safe) Mata (mother).

The intended audience for SUMATA was women, husbands, families, community leaders, and community-based health workers.

Source: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/ Center for Communication Programs

Date of Publication: May 20, 2020