Orissa Catholic Health Association

About Us

Orissa Catholic Health Association

We are focusing on bridging health gaps and empowering underserved populations to live with dignity, improved well-being, and access to essential rights.

Orissa Catholic Health Association (OCHA) is a non-profit organization and a regional unit of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), dedicated to delivering essential health services to marginalized and tribal communities in the remote regions of Odisha. Established in 1981 and formally registered in 1996, OCHA has been committed to improving the health and well-being of underserved populations. Through the network of member institutions, OCHA implements community-based health projects across 15 districts of Odisha, covering all dioceses in the state. Our key areas of work include adolescent health awareness, treatment of children with severe acute malnutrition, organization of medical camps, promotion of vaccinations, distribution of homemade nutrition kits, and comprehensive maternal care—including antenatal and postnatal support.

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Our focus area

Events

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Adolescent Health Training Program

A total of 5,445 adolescent boys and girls (1,918 boys and 3,527 girls) were trained across 318 villages through cluster-based sessions. ASHA and Anganwadi workers also participated actively in these meetings. The sessions focused on key topics such as bodily changes, mental and physical development, early marriage, personal hygiene, and reproductive health. The training helped stop 3,579 planned early marriages and improved awareness on hygiene and reproductive health. Many doubts on physical development were addressed, especially among college-going girls.

25 May, 2023

Homemade Nutritional Mix Support for Children

Under this activity, 6,260 children (2,727 boys and 3,533 girls) were supported through the distribution of homemade Horlicks. Mothers received hands-on training on how to prepare this nutritional supplement using locally available, low-cost ingredients. They also learned the feeding method, appropriate quantity, and frequency. This initiative helped families adopt nutritious practices at home. As a result, 1,099 boys and 3,011 girls showed expected health improvements.

Empowering Women Through Kitchen Gardening Initiative

A total of 300 women were supported with seeds and plants to promote kitchen gardening, based on their interest and available space near their homes. They received seeds like brinjal, chilli, green leaves, carrot, groundnut, and ladies finger, along with papaya, drumstick, and lemon plants. As a result, 189 women are maintaining their kitchen gardens successfully. 68 women are earning around ₹500 monthly, and 64 women are selling surplus vegetables for additional income. Notably, 53 women expanded their gardens using their own resources.

Capacity Building Orientation

An orientation program was held in January 2022 for all 52 Health Supervisors at the cluster level. The session covered project goals, activities, strategy, and planning. Supervisors also learned about monitoring, reporting, and financial management. It helped them understand the targets and their roles clearly. This program ensured better coordination and implementation of the project.

Programs

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Health Empowerment in Rural Odisha

This project focuses on improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCH+A) among marginalized communities in 15 districts across Odisha. Implemented in 520 remote villages, it ensures access to quality healthcare services including antenatal, postnatal, immunization, and institutional deliveries. Special attention is given to nutrition for malnourished children and menstrual hygiene support for adolescent girls. The project also empowers local health committees to advocate for better services. Through this initiative, thousands of women and children have received vital care. Cases of early marriage were actively prevented. The project is supported by Misereor and Manos Unidas and implemented by 52 member institutions of OCHA.

Strengthening Health Systems in Remote Villages

This initiative enhances primary healthcare access for rural communities across five districts of Odisha. It strengthens the role of community institutions in promoting maternal, child, and general health. The project integrates digital tools like telehealth to reach underserved populations. Community volunteers play a key role in home-based care and health education. Partnerships with government health departments improved service coordination. Special attention was given to immunization, antenatal care, and referral systems for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The initiative also focused on linking families to livelihood and welfare schemes, improving their long-term resilience

0 Remote communities delivered with healthcare facilities

0 Supported safe motherhood and newborn care

0 Guided sick children for treatment

0 People engaged through awareness sessions.

Case Studies

A Twin Recovery Story from Mandasor Village

This case study shares the journey of Sulita and Ugresan Digal from Mandasor village, Raikia block, Kandhamal district, who were blessed with twin ba…

A Child’s Journey in Singarmunda

This case study highlights the recovery of a 1 year 4-month-old malnourished girl from Singarmunda village, supported by St. Mary Health Centre. Desp…

Sangita’s Willpower Defeats Early Marriage

This case study highlights the inspiring story of 17-year-old Sangita from Kheriyakhani village in Jharsuguda district, who stood firmly against her …

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