About the project:

ANIKA (Anemia Information and Knowledge Accelerator) is a WhatsApp-based chatbot at the core of this implementation action research project. The project investigates the effectiveness of ANIKA in tackling anemia in the select intervention blocks in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The project aims to empower beneficiaries and frontline healthcare workers (ANMs) and thereby improving the maternal health outcomes by:

• Enhancing Last-Mile Visibility: Streamlining the tracking and estimation of iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements ensures their timely availability for pregnant women.
• Delivering Targeted Behavior Change: The chatbot goes beyond tracking by providing targeted messages directly to beneficiaries, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
• Leveraging Data for Improvement: The chatbot gathers valuable data on user engagement, allowing for continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

Our Approach: A Multi-Pronged Strategy Informed by Design Science :

Tattva's approach combines the power of technology with a deep understanding of public health challenges, following a Design Science Research (DSR) framework:

• Technology Integration: ANIKA leverages the abundant reach of WhatsApp to reach healthcare workers and beneficiaries directly.
• Behavior Change Communication: Targeted messages delivered through the chatbot promote healthy behaviors and adherence to IFA supplementation.
• Data-Driven Insights: Data collected through the chatbot informs the current scenario and key improvements to be envisaged.