SAMMPurNA, (Sishu Abong Matru Mrityu ra Purna Nirakarana Abhijan) is an Odisha specific strategy for reduction of MMR, NMR, IMR and U5MR implemented by the state during 2015-20. SAMMPurNA focuses on 15 low performing districts identified through a composite scoring index of critical health indicators which significantly impact survival of mothers and children.

Department of Health and Family Welfare tasked NIPI to undertake an assessment of SAMMPurNA strategy to understand the gains achieved under its various programme components. NIPI designed the evaluation & tools and oriented the evaluators including state officials and representatives of development partners like UNICEF, UNFPA and Jhpiego.

Assessments were conducted in three SAMMpurNA districts (Koraput, Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh) and three non-SAMMPurNA districts (Ganjam, Jajpur, Sambalpur) from 13-17^th December 2021. Two blocks in each of the six districts were selected randomly for the assessment. Labour rooms and Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days (VHSND) were observed in all six districts and in-depth interviews with programme staff and frontline workers were conducted. A total of 21 Labour rooms, 20 VHSNDs were assessed using a structured tool and in-depth interviews were conducted with 47 health staff consisting of the District Programme Manager (DPM), Dy. Manager RCH, Block Programme Manager, ANM, ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Also, secondary data on select program indictors were analysed to document the changes in the performance indicators over 5 years’ time.

Outwardly, it is observed that SAMMPurNA has led to significant contributions in fulfilling many logistics and equipment gaps in the districts. It has also created platforms for the mother and children, especially in the hard-to-reach areas, to increased access to essential and desired services. Districts have also implemented innovative approaches like organizing Routine Immunization integrated Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Day on fixed days, issuing of red cards to high risk pregnant women and children so they are prioritized for services at health facilities and bike ambulance for transportation of pregnant women from difficult pockets. A detailed report of the evaluation will be prepared and submitted to the state by NIPI.