Mizoram’s ‘Project Bloom’ Blossomed in Just Two Years
Life-saving health breakthrough shakes rural India - From 14% to 72% Institutional Births
In a remarkable rural health success story, Lunglei district in Mizoram has earned national acclaim for its innovative maternal and child health intervention, Project Bloom—which stands for Better Living through Outreach, Optimal Maternal and Child Health. The initiative was spotlighted among the country’s 19 best practices at a “Best Practices Seminar” hosted by NITI Aayog in New Delhi, chosen from 329 aspirational districts and 500 aspirational blocks.
Launched on June 17, 2025, in the remote Lungsen block, the project has overcome challenges posed by difficult terrain, high logistical costs, limited internet connectivity, and low health awareness. By harnessing a community-driven, multi-sectoral convergence model, Project Bloom unified efforts across health, nutrition, transport, and behavioral change to deliver tangible results.
Key strategies included:
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On-call transport services prioritizing high-risk pregnancies and enabling timely referrals to the district hospital.
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Temporary homestays near birthing centers, hosted by local villagers to support women awaiting delivery.
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Household-level surveys to identify pregnant women and malnourished children, ensuring early targeting and intervention.
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Incentives for early antenatal care (ANC) registration and institutional deliveries, such as nutrition and hygiene kits.
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Focused immunization drives reaching even the most remote villages.
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Capacity-building training for ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists), Anganwadi workers, and other frontline health personnel.
Since project rollout, several health indicators have seen transformative growth:
| Indicator | March 2023 | March 2025 | June–July 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional deliveries | 14.73% | 43.14% | 72.2% (first time above 70%) |
| Early ANC registration | 50.6% | — | 70% (July 2025) |
| Pregnant women receiving ICDS nutrition | 11.3% | — | 81.9% (July 2025) |
| Children (6 mo–6 yr) receiving ICDS nutrition | 6.16% | — | 75% (July 2025) |
| Vaccination coverage | 63.8% | — | 88.9% (June–July 2025) |
Lungsen block—spanning 424.04 sq km, home to 18,637 residents, and comprising 24 village councils and 3,903 households—is inhabited by the Mizo, Chakma, and Bru communities. Despite historic health challenges, Project Bloom’s localized, collaborative model has dramatically improved maternal and child well-being in the region.
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As Lunglei gains national recognition, Project Bloom is fast becoming a blueprint for rural health transformation across India.
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