Empathy In Action: Dr. Radhika Batra's Mission With 'Every Infant Matters
To bring a positive change in the world, all you need is a motive in mind and kindness in heart.
One such example is set by the “Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards,” winner Dr. Radhika Batra, who co-founded “Every Infant Matters” and saved countless lives of underprivileged kids with her empathetic heart. Let’s delve into her inspiring journey, which unveils a testament to compassion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of bettering lives.
Early Influences: The Roots Of Empathy And Kindness
Dr. Radhika Batra was born into a family of doctors, with her father being a world-renowned endocrinologist and her mother heading the obstetrics and gynecology department. Surrounded by her doctor parents and inspired by their dedication to helping and treating others, she pursued her MBBS in Pediatrics to become a doctor. Later on, to enhance her medical knowledge and skills, Dr. Radhika completed her post-graduation in Pediatric Nutrition from Boston University and specialized in Neonatology, focusing on newborn babies.
Dr.Radhika began her career as a resident doctor in the slum areas of New Delhi. It was there that she observed several children born with diseases leading to blindness, disabilities, or death. She realized that these conditions were due to a lack of nutritious food and Vitamin A deficiency. Witnessing this alarming and distressing state of health, she resolved to address healthcare disparities among kids.
Every Infant Matters: A Vision For Change
In 2017, she co-founded "Every Infant Matters," a non-profit organization dedicated to helping poor children and mothers by providing health solutions across the world, including India, Nigeria, Kenya, the Philippines, and the Dominican Republic.
This organization has saved over 280,771 children from blindness by providing Vitamin A drops and supported over 52,500 pregnant women with prenatal vitamins, promoting awareness for a healthy start for their children. Apart from these, the organization has also educated 85,000 families about the stigma associated with blindness, TB, HIV/AIDS, and gender equality. They have also actively worked during COVID-19, supporting those worst affected by the pandemic, including those rendered hungry, jobless, homeless, and ailing.
Since 2018, Dr.Radhika has served as an Ambassador at One Young World, a platform to raise young leaders' voices. She also serves as a Neonatologist and Pediatrician at Apollo Cradle Hospital in New Delhi, India.
Recognition And Accolades
For her tireless efforts and commendable work, in 2022, Dr.Radhika was honored with the 'Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards' by the Bill Gates and Melinda Gates Foundation at New York's Lincoln Center. Here, she was recognized as one of the 'four remarkable change-makers' working towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting good health and well-being while reducing inequalities.
She has received many other recognitions, including the Forbes 30-Under-30 Asia in 2019 and the Covid Warrior Award from the Indian Medical Association in 2021.
In her remarkable journey, she embodies more than the title of a doctor; she stands as a guardian angel, tirelessly extending healthcare to the smallest and most distant corners of the world, leaving an indelible mark on countless children's lives.
