VHA Tripura.

Project Overview:

Voluntary Health Association of Tripura initiated Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) Project in Dhalai District of Tripura from July 2025, with financial support from SWASTI and technical support from the district health authority of Dhalai District.

The central goal of the MMU project was to bridge the gap in healthcare access for hard-to-reach communities through a multi-dimensional approach of direct service delivery and community engagement.

• Target Areas: The intervention focused on four key blocks: Dumburnagar, Ganganagar, Manu, and Chawmanu.
• Core Objectives: Improving access to primary healthcare, promoting early disease detection, and increasing awareness of healthy life practices.
• Operational Integration: The project worked in close collaboration with the District Health & Family Welfare Society, Dhalai and ensuring convergence with existing government health systems.

Key Outcomes and Impact:

The project successfully acted as a vital access point for communities with previously limited interaction with formal health systems.

• Outreach Impact: A total of 61 mobile health camps were organized within March 2026.
• Beneficiary reach: The initiative reached 2,812 beneficiaries across the targeted intervention areas.
• Clinical Services: Services included screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, alongside basic treatment and referral support. Screening of suspected TB & Malaria patients.
• Behavioural Change: Increased participation and a better understanding of disease prevention, particularly regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were observed throughout the project period.

Community Engagement and Awareness:

Beyond clinical services, VHAT team utilized personalized interactions to foster long-term health improvements. These personalized interactions enabled deeper engagement with beneficiaries, allowing for better understanding of individual health needs and promoting long-term behavioural change.

Educational topics included: Balanced nutrition and physical activity • Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol • Personal hygiene and family planning • Non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention.

Health System Strengthening:

The project also focused on enhancing the capacity of the local health infrastructure through donation of specialized medical equipment.

Equipment Donated	Purpose/Impact
Micro Typing Centrifuge & an X-Ray machine	Enhanced diagnostic and clinical service capacity.
Semi-Auto Hematology Analyser (3-part)	Supported smoother operations at healthcare facilities.
Suction Machine (1/2 HP HYVAC)	Improved service delivery for advanced care.

Objectives of the Project:

• To prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS among MSMs, TRs, and IDUs
• To promote safe practices and behavioural change
• To ensure access to HIV testing, counselling, and treatment services
• To distribute preventive materials such as condoms and sterile needles/syringes
• To reduce stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS

Key Activities Conducted:

a) Identification and Registration

• Mapping and identification of target population (MSMs, TRs, IDUs)
• Registration of beneficiaries for regular follow-up and services

b) Awareness and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC)

• Regular awareness sessions on HIV/AIDS prevention
• One-to-one counselling and group discussions
• Distribution of IEC (Information, Education, Communication) materials

c) Health Services

• HIV testing and referral to ICTC centres
• Linkage to ART centres for HIV-positive individuals
• Facilitation of STI screening and treatment

d) Condom and Needle/Syringe Distribution

• Free distribution of Condoms and Lubricants among MSMs and TRs
• Prevention of sharing of Needle & Syringe
• Promotion of safe injection practices

e) Community Outreach

• Outreach workers engaged in regular field visits
• Peer educators involved in mobilizing the community
• Building trust and rapport with target groups

Achievements (from 15th February to 31st March 2026):

• 50 numbers of MSMs, TRs, and IDUs identified and registered
• Conducted 5 awareness trainings with community regarding HIV/AIDS prevention and early intervention
• Improved uptake of HIV testing and counselling services
• Strengthened linkage with government health services

Core Objectives and Specialized Care:

Primary goal was to equip ASHA workers with updated protocols and practical skills to improve health outcomes in underserved and remote areas. The training specifically targeted three critical intervention areas:

• HBNC: Home-Based New-born Care
• HBYC: Home-Based Young Child Care
• IYCF: Infant and Young Child Feeding

Training Methodology and Content:

Facilitated by Health Department’s Resource Persons and Public Health Professionals, the sessions utilized interactive methods such as group discussions, demonstrations, and case-based learning. Key thematic areas included:

• Newborn Care: Essential care practices and early identification of danger signs.
• Monitoring & Referral: Standardized growth monitoring and establishing timely referral mechanisms.
• Nutrition: Specialized counselling for caregivers regarding infant nutrition.
• Communication: Strategies for effective engagement with families at the household level.

Outcomes and Impact:

The trainings successfully created active participation from 150 ASHA workers, who integrated their own field experiences into the learning process. The initiative resulted in –

• Enhanced Capacity: Frontline workers (participants) demonstrated increased confidence and a deeper understanding of HBNC, HBYC and IYCF interventions.
• Improved Detection: The training was expected to lead to earlier detection of health risks and better nutritional practices within communities.
• System Reinforcement: By strengthening the skills of frontline workers, the project reinforces the overall community health delivery system in Tripura.

Project Scope and Location:

• Start Date: VHAT has been active in this initiative since September 2025.
• Geographic Focus: The project is being carried out in selected Control and Intervention Blocks within the West Tripura and North Tripura districts.

Primary Objective:

To strengthen primary healthcare system and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through sustainable interventions.

Key Activities and Implementation:

• VHAT’s role was to collect the data under the guidance of the Scientist - E (Medical), ICMR – NCDIR Bengaluru to submit the collected data online & offline to the NCDIR.
• Monitoring & Data Collection: Engaging in field-level data collection, including Patient Exit Forms & Health Facility Assessment forms to establish a real-time evidence base for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) management challenges.
• Digital Integration: Emphasizing the use of digital tools and strengthening reporting mechanisms to align with national research goals.

Impact and Commitment:

The project aims to improve patient access to quality care while fostering collaborative networks within the state's healthcare infrastructure. VHAT remained committed to ensuring the project's scalability and effectiveness to achieve long-term improvements in clinical outcomes for NCDs in Tripura.