Spreading hope and care: ASHA workers receive WHO's Global Health Leaders Award 2022
Several ASHA workers conducted door-to-door checks to take care of coronavirus patients and administer the vaccines during the pandemic
By Newsmeter Network Published on 23 May 2022 10:13 AM GMT
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Hyderabad: The one million Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers of India have been honored by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their crucial role in linking the community with the health system and ensuring that those living in rural poverty can access primary health care services. They have been conferred with the Global Health Leaders Award 2022 at the ongoing 75th World Health Assembly. The ASHA workers are one of the six recipients of the award.
"ASHA means 'hope' in Hindi. These health workers provide maternal care and immunisation for children against vaccine-preventable diseases, community health care, treatment for hypertension and tuberculosis, and core areas of health promotion for nutrition, sanitation, and healthy living," the WHO said.
ASHA workers are the first point of contact for health care services in rural India. Several ASHA workers conducted door-to-door checks to take care of coronavirus patients and administer the vaccines during the pandemic. ASHA workers receive an honorarium on a monthly basis for their work and have no access to extra benefits such as a pension, insurance, and more. Several ASHA workers across the country still continue to fight to make their roles permanent and for better pay.
The award was announced on Sunday by WHO director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to recognise outstanding contributions to advancing global health, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to regional health issues. Dr. Tedros himself decides on the awardees for the World Health Organisation Director-General's Global Health Leaders Awards.
"At a time when the world is facing an unprecedented convergence of inequity, conflict, food insecurity, the climate crisis, and a pandemic, this award recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to protecting and promoting health around the world," said Dr. Tedros and added, "These awardees embody lifelong dedication, relentless advocacy, a commitment to equity, and selfless service of humanity."
