WHO Recognised "ASHA": Crucial For Community

ASHA comprises more than one million female volunteers.

New Delhi: To encourage women to work, ASHA, which means 'hope' in English, comprises more than one million female volunteers. The World Health Organization Director-General's Global Health Leaders Awards has recognized ASHA's, “crucial role in linking the community with the health system and ensuring that those living in rural poverty can access primary health care services”.

WHO added that ASHA workers, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, have “ensured living in rural poverty can access primary health care services.”

In a tweet by WHO, the all-women workers “provide maternal care and immunization 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.”

Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he is “delighted that the entire team of ASHA workers have been conferred the WHO Director-General's Global Health Leaders' Award”. He added, “Congratulations to all ASHA workers. They are at the forefront of ensuring a healthy India and their dedication and determination are admirable.”

Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has also extended his warmest greetings to all the ASHA workers in his tweet. “Congratulations to all the ASHA workers on being conferred the award. ASHA workers are at the forefront of healthcare delivery and played a key role in the country's response to the prevention and management of the COVID-19.”

The awards were announced by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The ceremony was part of the opening session of the 75th World Health Assembly.