Public health advocacy to reinstate reproductive rights of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PTGs) in Chhattisgarh

Introduction Baigas, Pahari Korwas, Abujhmarias, Birhors and Kamars have been designated as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PTGs) in Chhattisgarh. These communities face high levels of poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to health and nutrition services, manifested in high mortality rates. As a strategy for curtailing the once decreasing population of PTGs after 1979, Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh state government restricted sterilisation among these tribal groups, attempting an increase in birth rate rather than a decrease in the mortality rate. Today, PTGs, unable to cope with their poverty and large families, are demanding the right to choose their family size and gain access to family planning services. Public Health Resource Network (PHRN) and State Health Resource Centre, Chhattisgarh (SHRC) along with local organisations are attempting to impact policy on this issue through evidence building, community mobilisation and media advocacy.