An anaemia testing camp in progress

Till 2003, a cadre of community health workers supported by the Chirag health team spearheaded Chirag’s efforts with regard to preventive and promotive health in 20 villages. In effect, Chirag’s efforts at the community level required a parallel system of community health care to be created and supported. Concerns about the sustainability of such an effort led to this initiative being rolled back in 2003. A decision was taken to conduct a survey of health needs across all the areas that Chirag worked in. The results of the survey coincided with the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) being implemented in the country by the Government.

A decision was taken to attempt to strengthen the existing government efforts and to take advantage of opportunities that the NRHM presented. In 38 Gram Panchayats in Reetha, Suyalbari, Kasiyalekh, Naukuchiyatal and Dewaldhar areas, Chirag has invested in the capacities of members of the statutory health committees. Each committee has prepared a plan for the health needs of their population and the health committees are currently implementing these plans. Further, Chirag has commenced supporting the ASHAs in these Panchayats and in 4 blocks of Nainital district by assisting the Government in their training. Over 70% of the members of these health committees are women and the top two issues that the Panchayats seek to address include women’s health (safe delivery, anaemia and leucorrhea) and water borne diseases (jaundice and diarrhoea).