Abstract
The well-being of pregnant women in rural communities is critically intertwined with environmental, cultural, and economic factors. These interconnected dimensions profoundly influence maternal health outcomes, highlighting the need for sustainable development solutions that are both innovative and context-sensitive. This study explores the challenges and opportunities in creating a holistic framework for improving maternal well-being in rural settings, particularly focusing on the most vulnerable—pregnant women. Environmental degradation, lack of access to healthcare resources, and economic disparities often exacerbate maternal health risks in rural communities. This research investigates how ecological sustainability, economic empowerment, and cultural inclusivity can converge to create impactful and enduring solutions. By integrating sustainable development models such as the circular economy and renewable energy-based healthcare infrastructure, the study emphasizes reducing environmental impact while enhancing healthcare access. Cultural sustainability plays a pivotal role in promoting maternal health by respecting and leveraging traditional knowledge, beliefs, and practices. This research highlights the importance of engaging local communities in participatory governance models to ensure inclusive and equitable healthcare interventions. Additionally, addressing economic inequities through income-generating activities, microfinancing, and skill-building programs for women further enhances their capacity to access and utilize maternal health services. The proposed framework employs Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models to identify high-risk pregnancies, enabling timely interventions while minimizing resource wastage. The study draws on case studies and field data from rural regions, presenting evidence-based insights into how sustainable technologies and practices can transform maternal healthcare.
Presenters
Kapil TomarResearch Scholar, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Economic, Social, and Cultural Context
KEYWORDS
MATERNAL HEALTH, RURAL COMMUNITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY, CULTURAL INCLUSIVITY, ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
