In the densely populated neighborhoods of Taratala, Kolkata, access to preventive healthcare is often limited, especially for women, children, and adolescents. Many health issues go undiagnosed until they become severe, and essential information about nutrition, menstrual health, and family planning rarely reaches those who need it most.
To address these gaps, The WE Foundation launched Project ShreeRaksha — a community-centered health initiative dedicated to early detection, prevention, and continuous care.
Over the last two months, ShreeRaksha has created a strong impact by bringing essential health services directly to households and community clusters in Taratala.
Comprehensive Screening for Women, Children & Adolescents
A major pillar of the project is its extensive screening drive, targeting 1,000 women, 100 children, and 100 adolescents.
These screenings include:
- Anemia testing
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Blood sugar checks
- Growth monitoring (height, weight, MUAC)
- Individual counseling based on findings
By identifying vulnerabilities early, the project ensures that no condition is left unnoticed.
Risk Profiling That Drives Action
Within 15 days of each screening cycle, the collected health data is analyzed to identify high- and medium-risk individuals.
These include:
- Women with severe anemia
- Adolescents with nutritional deficiencies
- Children with growth concerns
- Individuals with hypertension or elevated blood sugar
Those identified are referred to the WE Foundation Health & Nutrition Centre for immediate follow-up and medical support.
Focused Medical Care for Those Who Need It Most
High-risk and medium-risk individuals receive:
- In-depth medical consultations
- Distribution of generic medicines
- Personalized nutritional counseling by expert dietitians
This targeted approach ensures meaningful, life-improving outcomes for the most vulnerable community members.
Empowering Women Through Menstrual Health & Family Planning
ShreeRaksha is also creating an environment where women and adolescent girls can openly discuss menstrual health, hygiene, and reproductive well-being.
Through dedicated workshops, the project has reached:
- 1,000 women
- 100 adolescent girls
These sessions include:
- Menstrual hygiene education
- Safe practices and myth-busting
- Family planning and reproductive counseling
- Distribution of 2,200 sanitary pads, ensuring dignified menstrual care
For many participants, it is the first time they have received reliable, stigma-free guidance.
- Follow-Up: Turning Awareness Into Sustainable Health
Within one month of screening, the project mobilizes high-risk women, children, and adolescents for additional consultations at the Health & Nutrition Centre.
This follow-up ensures: - Ongoing monitoring
- Medication adherence
- Dietary guidance
- Timely referrals
- Family-level health improvements
Continuity of care is at the heart of ShreeRaksha’s success.
Safeguarding Lives Through Critical Referrals
For cases requiring advanced intervention, ShreeRaksha facilitates referrals to district hospitals and UPHCs.
These include:
- High-risk pregnancies
- Cases of severe anemia
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Complicated health conditions
By ensuring timely referral, the project acts as a protective shield — true to its name, ShreeRaksha.
A Movement for Resilient Communities
Project ShreeRaksha is more than a health intervention — it is a lifeline for families in Taratala. With its emphasis on early detection, timely care, health education, and sustained follow-up, the initiative is reshaping community health outcomes and empowering women to take control of their well-being.
One screened mother, one supported adolescent, and one healthier child at a time — ShreeRaksha is building a stronger, healthier future for Taratala.