| Issue/Objective |
Persistent inequities in access to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services in India disproportionately affect adolescents, especially girls and out-of-school youth, and those in urban slums. Upstream determinants such as restrictive gender norms, limited agency, poverty, and distance from formal health systems serve as major barriers to access . National data (NFHS-5) shows that 59% of girls aged 15-19 years are anaemic, 23.3% of women aged 20-24 years were married before age 18, and 6.8% of girls aged 15-19 years are pregnant or already mothers. This intervention demonstrates how Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) can expand access to adolescent-friendly health services to address these barriers and advance equity. |
| Methodology/Approach |
MMUs, implemented by Smile Foundation, are healthcare platforms providing integrated primary healthcare within the community in underserved areas.The programme adopts a dual approach- school-based outreach for health education and counselling, and community-based outreach for out-of-school adolescents for primary healthcare and health awareness- addressing mobility, access, and social barriers. MMUs provide integrated RMNCAH services , including antenatal care, family planning, counselling, menstrual health, preventive screening, and curative care. Culturally contextualized platforms (e.g. Godh Bharai and Annaprashan celebrations) enhance trust and acceptability. Youth-friendly providers, fixed schedules and linkages with public facilities ensure continuity of care, supported by HMIS and reliable supply systems. |
| Results |
Between April 2022 and March 2026, service data indicate that the programme reached over 140,933 adolescents, many first-time users of formal health services. The programme is supported by multiple donors and is ongoing. During this period, the programme contributed to 44% increase in adolescent healthcare utilization and 45% increase in uptake of maternal and child health services. Preventive anemia screening improved significantly, with adolescent girls from 61% of households screened for anemia.This combined approach has helped bridge the gap between in-school and out-of-school adolescents. Peer-led engagement and youth "change agents" strengthened demand generation while doorstep services enabled sustained access.
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| Discussion/Conclusion |
MMUs demonstrate how adolescent-responsive primary healthcare models can advance health equity by addressing access barriers while strengthening local healthcare systems. By embedding service delivery within communities, the model demonstrates how MMUs can offer a scalable pathway from evidence to impact. |
| Presenters and Affiliations |
Dr Rashmi Ardey nee Soneja Smile Foundation |
