Maternal health among Muslim women faces significant challenges. Despite being the second largest religious community, Muslims lag behind in human development indicators. They frequently live on the margins

In the vast and diverse landscape of India, the maternal health of women in the tribal and Muslim communities is a critical issue. These women face high rates of deaths and illnesses, made worse by abysmal living conditions, cultural barriers, and limited access to healthcare services. 

Despite being an important part of Indian society, their unique challenges are frequently overlooked in health discussions, leading to poor outcomes and ongoing cycles of poverty and illness. This article explores the unheard voices of mothers in these communities, shedding light on the systemic inequalities and cultural factors that affect their health.

India experiences high rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, with tribal communities disproportionately affected. Tribal populations live in unfavorable conditions with deficient indicators, which results in adverse health consequences. As a result, complications during pregnancy and childbirth are common, leading to poor outcomes for both mothers and children.

Poverty among tribal communities leads to inadequate nutrition for women during the prenatal and postpartum periods. This often results in anemia, a condition affecting 65 per cent of tribal women. This nutritional deficiency means that tribal women have to work to support their households. 

The combination of anemia and strenuous labour puts additional stress on the expectant mother and the developing fetus. Moreover, maternal malnutrition affects the health of newborns, particularly those with low birth weight. 

Ideally, breast-feeding mothers should eat frequently and consume larger portions of healthy food to meet the energy demands of breast-feeding. However, women often follow traditional dietary rules and follow the restrictions passed through generations. 

A study in North India found that the maternal mortality rate in tribal regions has been primarily due to anemia, exacerbated by unhygienic labour practices and incorrect advice from traditional healers.  These healing methods increase the risk of post-delivery infections for both mothers and newborns. Newborns, especially those who are weak and premature, are highly susceptible to infections like Pneumonia, Diarrhea and Sepsis.

India has a multitude of tribes from diverse backgrounds in terms of ethnicity, race and religion. There are disparities like health, education, employment and empowerment among them, largely influenced by social and economic factors. Gender inequality is particularly noticeable, with religion and race contributing to social exclusion. 

Many tribal communities live in remote forest areas. It’s crucial to consider how these social factors interact to create and sustain inequality.

Education plays a pivotal role in the advancement of any community or social group, and it is closely linked with women’s empowerment. It is the primary means to bring about positive changes in the social and political status of tribal populations.

Maternal health among Muslim women faces significant challenges. Despite being the second largest religious community, Muslims lag behind in human development indicators. They frequently live on the margins. 

This marginalization, coupled with a high fertility rate, creates substantial barriers in accessing healthcare services. Muslim women experience poor health outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that can address these barriers. 

Evidence shows that Muslims use maternal and child health services less frequently than other communities. They tend to be more traditional and face exclusion from maternal care services. 

Besides, they often deal with stigma: related issues. They, usually, do not engage with mainstream society, leading to lower participation in health services. Studies indicate that education levels are low among Muslim women, who have limited exposure to mass media, especially when it comes to childbirth and contraceptive use.

The fertility rate among Muslims is high, and many belong to low income groups. These factors, combined with low literacy and living standards, often prevent women from accessing healthcare services. 

Several studies have examined the determinants of maternal healthcare use among Muslim women. They also highlight the inequalities in the use of various health services due to the uneven distribution of wealth. Undoubtedly, there is a lack of research focusing on the inequality stalking them and their community.