Cradle of Care: Newborn Kit Distribution Project – FY 2026

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The first year of life is vital for a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. However, children born into poverty often begin life without access to essential healthcare, hygiene, and basic comfort items placing them at increased risk for malnutrition, illness, and even death. In Kashmir Valley, many underprivileged families especially those affected by widowhood,

separation, or social abandonment lack the resources to care for newborns in their most vulnerable months. To address this, Sahuliyat Kashmir proposes the “Cradle of Care” initiative: a structured program delivering monthly newborn kits to 30 infants over a one-year period, ensuring safe, hygienic, and nurturing early development.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

1. To ensure access to essential baby care items for newborns from financially and socially vulnerable families.

2. To reduce infant mortality and prevent health issues caused by lack of hygiene and nutrition.

3. To empower single mothers and disadvantaged caregivers through support and awareness.

4. To raise awareness on proper infant care practices across all districts of Kashmir Valley.

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

The project will cover all 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley in its first phase:

BENEFICIARY TARGET

● Number of Infants: 30

● Coverage Duration per Infant: 12 Months

● Start Date: FY 2026 (Rolling registration based on childbirth date)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Beneficiaries will be selected based on financial vulnerability and special circumstances.

Basic Eligibility: Families living below the poverty line (BPL) or facing significant financial hardship

Priority Groups:

1. Single Mothers due to Divorce or Separation during Pregnancy

○ Must provide divorce papers or community verification

2. Infants of Deceased Parent(s)

○ Father or mother deceased

○ Verified via death certificate

3. Unacknowledged Children or Births Out of Wedlock

○ Where the father has refused paternity or support

○ Verified by affidavit or recommendation by local health worker/community elder