Executive Summary : | The study aims to assess the feasibility of a Tribal enhanced health and demographic surveillance system in Belagavi, Karnataka, understand the health status of Scheduled Tribes, assess the availability of healthcare infrastructure in primitive tribal areas, and suggest area-specific approaches to strengthen public health care systems and infrastructure. The Surveillance System, named "Novelty," will integrate health, behavioral, and demographic components into one, aiming to reduce morality rates, increase awareness, prepare guidelines for future disease prevention, create awareness groups, and create employment opportunities. The Department of Tribal Welfare has been successful in providing services to Scheduled Tribes, but the effectiveness of these programs in health, education, and poverty reduction is lacking. The system will also serve as an evidence-based model for establishing disaster management systems in a timely manner. |