Health workers (ANMs, ASHAs, AWWs, MAS)
Meghalaya - Lakhamti Khriam “I am Never tired of repeating the benefits of vaccination ..”
A self-motivated, ASHA worker, Lakhamti Khriam, realising the hesitancy among certain families against vaccination in the Umathli hamlet in the East Khasi district of Meghalaya, set about motivating young mothers, drawing from the lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic, when drop outs in the routine immunization and refusals were commonplace. The immunization team then, involved local influencers from the village health councils to convince the community. Dr. Evareen Liza Kharmutee, the District Immunization Officer said, “We increased the frequency of one-on-one counselling sessions and emphasized on the importance of addressing their fears and concerns,” Gradually, improvements began to surface. The department organized several community meetings and arranged mother’s meetings also at convenient times, while intensifying their outreach efforts. The community responded positively, leading to an increase in attendance at the immunization sessions, even during inclement weather.
Banshi Sha Khriam, a young mother resided a mere 500 meters away from the immunization site in Umthli hamlet, but despite the proximity, her children had missed out on several vital vaccines. “The people around here used to tell us that vaccines were unsafe and could make children ill, so I did not bother about vaccination, ” shared Banshi Sha Khriam. It took multiple visits from ASHA Lakhamti Khariam, who incidentally came from the same community as Banshi Sha to convince her that vaccines were indeed safe and would shield her children from various diseases. However, she was not the only one in the village harbouring such concerns. Ibaiairi Khrriem, another vaccine hesitant mother, who also lived nearby, shared a similar sentiment. A resolute ASHA who said she was never tired of repeating the usefulness of vaccines had her day when she motivated both the mothers!
Uttar Pradesh, Etawah - ASHA Neeraj Devi "For me, being an ASHA worker is not just a job, it's a calling to serve my village.”
Neeraj Devi, who starts her day early morning, going from door to door to her designated areas, recalls the challenges she has faced with certain families in the village who were initially hesitant about getting their children immunized. "Each refusal was an opportunity for me to change someone's mind," Neeraj says, her determination resonating in her voice. "I approached them with empathy, understanding their concerns, and providing reassurance, and perceptions changed over time”.
With each step she takes, her mission takes precedence over her personal comfort whatever the weather, says she determinedly, “For me, every house I visit is an opportunity to save a life. I will knock at every door until every child is immunized."
Himachal Pradesh - Tanuja and Sanjay kumari- When difficult terrain and inclement weather do not hamper the spirits of health workers at high altitude
In the serene yet challenging terrain of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district lies the village of Nalotha. Amidst the biting cold and frosty winds, it is not an unusual scene at the HWC, PHC Kothikohar Block Mahakal, where Tanuja, a dedicated female health worker and Sanjay Kumari, an ASHA, despite inclement weather at a high altitude work tirelessly to conduct routine immunization sessions, ensuring that no one in the remotest corners of the district is left behind. According to their seniors, their dedication is not merely a reflection of their commitment towards their job; but is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and compassion.
Madhya Pradesh - ANM Nilima Parmar Innovative Grassroots efforts at addressing MR elimination
In the Kshipra sub-centre in the Dewas District of Madhya Pradesh, a triumphant tale unfolds in the relentless pursuit of eradicating Measles Rubella (MR). At the forefront of this innovative endeavour is ANM Nilima Parmar, who has leveraged the rich tapestry of local traditions to ingeniously develop a surveillance system within schools and temples, recognizing them as focal points of community activity. Understanding the cultural significance of seeking blessings during times of measles, Nilima strategically targeted Sheetla Mata temple, enlisting the support of a local liaison to alert her of any such visits for rituals by the locals. This helped her in targeting such households, where she or an ASHA would visit to raise awareness about the vaccine. Under the banner of “Jo na pahunche hum tak, hum pahunchei unn tak” (If they do not reach us, we will reach them), Nilima orchestrated awareness rallies, fostering a spirit of collective responsibility. The synergy between ANM, ASHA workers, and community members became the bedrock of success, ensuring no stone was left unturned in the quest for MR eradication.
Bhagalpur, Bihar - Kavita: Transforming Lives Through Collective Action in Nath Nagar
In the heart of Nath Nagar’s bustling slums in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, lies a resilient community of 58 migrant and slum-dwelling households. Amid limited access to health services and information, Kavita, a member of this close-knit yet underserved community, emerges as a story of hope and transformation.
In 2020, Kavita joined the Mahaveer Mahila Arogya Samiti (MAS), a local women’s health collective. Initially, she was like many others—a woman navigating the daily struggles of slum life, but through the MAS platform, she found an opportunity to break barriers and empower herself and others. The MAS committee, with its slogan “Akele hum haar jaate hain, aur milkar par paate hain”—When alone we fail; together, we win. Through a series of training sessions, community dialogues, and collective problem-solving exercises, Kavita began to see her neighborhood’s challenges differently.
The MAS committee became a transformative space where women like Kavita found their voices amplified. They no longer saw themselves as passive recipients of aid but as active agents of change. Today, Nath Nagar’s women, led by Kavita and her MAS colleagues, have become advocates for their own health and rights.
Mahila Arogya Samitis (MAS)- the Community Catalysts Zero doze children mobilisation
In UPHC Chunabhatti, Darbhanga, MAS members initially struggled with regular engagement. Following a Training of Trainers (ToT) and ongoing follow-ups, they began holding regular meetings with stakeholders and doing community outreach. A notable success occurred in August 2023 in Mohalla Allalpati AWC 46, where a MAS member Sadhana Kumari identified a zero-dose child born in June 2022. She mobilized the child's parents, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations against 12 Vaccine Preventable Diseases. The parents, convinced by Sadhana's advocacy, took the child to the nearest Aanganwadi Centre, where the child received OPV1, DPT1, MR1, and JE1 vaccines.
Mahila Arogya Samitis (MAS)- the Community Catalysts Zero doze children mobilisation
Shiv Nagar, Karula is a typical area of Moradabad Urban, a slum cluster, where most people are engaged in brassware, working from homes. The migrant families are largely from Bengal and Bihar. Realizing, a general lack of vaccination among these families, 29 teams were formed to conduct house to house to survey to identify unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children.
In the first-round of activity conducted in Oct.2023, 1253 out of 1801 children were vaccinated. The head count survey was next updated after 28 days in November with the support of all partners and 1268 out of 1801 children were vaccinated in the second-round activity.
Similarly, the third-round activity was also conducted from December 28 to January 1 2024, in which 28 sessions were planned every day and out of 1801 due children 1394 children were vaccinated, achieving 77%. Coverage.
Kamla Devi- a Symbol of Courage Amidst Disasters
In times of natural calamities, when most people hesitate to even step outside their homes, a frontline health worker from Mandi district’s Chauhar Valley has set an inspiring example of service and dedication.
Kamla Devi, an ANM posted at the Primary Health Centre in Suhhar under Health Block Padhar, proved that responsibility and determination can overcome even the harshest challenges.
Relentless rains and landslides, during this monsoon have cut off several villages in the Chauhar Valley. Roads and bridges have collapsed, streams are overflowing, and reaching patients with medicines or vaccines has become a daunting task. On the night of August 18, sudden floods in Koratangal and Kungri further disrupted life.
Amid this crisis, a two-month-old infant in Hurang village required life-saving vaccination. Undeterred by the danger, Kamla Devi carried her vaccine box on her shoulder and bravely leapt across the swollen Swad stream to reach the village. She administered the essential doses, ensuring child’s protection.
Local villagers praised her courage, noting that while ordinary people would not dare venture out in such conditions, Kamla Devi risked her life for her duty. Her act not only saved one child but also became a source of inspiration for health workers across the state. As BMO Padhar, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, remarked: “Prioritizing duty even in adversity is the true hallmark of a health worker. Kamla Devi’s spirit shows that when service and commitment are in the heart, no obstacle is too great.”
Walking Many Miles Through Dense Forests to Deliver Polio Vaccines is no Child’s Play!
In an inspiring display of commitment and compassion, Meidinliu Newmai, the 50-year-old ASHA worker from Nenloung Atangkhullen in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, walked 28 kilometers through dense forests, unconstructed roads, and across five rivers to deliver polio vaccines to children in a remote village.
Serving at Tamei Primary Health Centre since 2007, Newmai has been a vital bridge between the healthcare system and some of Manipur’s most inaccessible communities. On this occasion, she carried a polio vaccine carrier, walking on foot to ensure that 17 children in her area received their oral polio drops as a part of the state’s Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) campaign.
Her journey was marked by rugged terrain, long hours, and physical strain, which has drawn nationwide admiration after her story went viral on social media. Many hailed her as a symbol of dedication and resilience, representing thousands of unsung frontline workers who ensure healthcare reaches even the farthest corners of their states.
Besides vaccination, Newmai’s service extends to health education, sanitation awareness, maternity care, and providing first-contact medical assistance to villagers. Her unwavering commitment underscores the spirit of India’s public health mission: ensuring no child is left unvaccinated, no matter how remote the journey.
