Kolkata, Aug 7 (IANS): A new community health initiative launched here on Friday aims to reduce maternal and infant mortalities in West Bengal's Sundarban delta region by 10 percent, officials said.

Launched by South 24 Parganas District Magistrate P. B. Salim, the community health programme will be executed by NGO Sabuj Sangha in collaboration with the charitable trust, The Hans Foundation (THF) ,in four gram panchayats and cover 100,000 people.

By providing optimum pregnancy care to all pregnant women, the programme targets a reduction in maternal and infant mortalities by 10 percent, said THF programme manager Jagrity Sharan.

The safe motherhood programme will ensure institutional delivery for the pregnant women, lactating mother's care in addition to 100 percent child immunisation with the effort of health workers, doctors, paramedics, nurses and other programme staff.

The area of coverage includes Mathurapur and Partharpratima blocks with Raidighi and Patharpratima constituency of South 24 Parganas district.