WHO Honors India’s ASHA Volunteers for Crucial Role in COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Accredited Social Health Activists Recognized for Direct Access to Healthcare in Rural Areas
ASHA Volunteers’ Lifelong Dedication to Health Promotion Recognized
WHO Honors India’s ASHA Volunteers for Crucial Role in COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) in India received prestigious recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) for their essential role in facilitating direct access to healthcare services in rural areas and their relentless efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic across the nation.
Accredited Social Health Activists Recognized for Direct Access to Healthcare in Rural Areas
ASHA, affiliated with the Indian government, serves as the primary point of contact for healthcare services in rural India. Their commendable efforts during the peak of the pandemic involved conducting door-to-door checks to trace and assist coronavirus patients.
WHO Director-General Announces Awards for Global Health Leaders
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, announced six prestigious awards to acknowledge outstanding contributions in advancing global health, exemplary leadership, and dedication to regional health concerns. The award ceremony, established in 2019, took place during the live-streamed high-level opening session of the 75th World Health Assembly.
ASHA Volunteers’ Lifelong Dedication to Health Promotion Recognized
Among the honorees, ASHA volunteers, meaning “hope” in Hindi, received recognition for their critical role in linking communities with the healthcare system, ensuring access to primary healthcare services for those living in rural poverty, a need emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASHA volunteers have also played pivotal roles in providing maternal care and immunizations for children against vaccine-preventable diseases, community healthcare, treatment for hypertension and tuberculosis, and promoting health aspects such as nutrition, sanitation, and healthy living.
The WHO’s recognition of ASHA volunteers is a testament to their lifelong dedication, relentless advocacy, commitment to equity, and selfless service to humanity. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, these awards honor those who have made exceptional contributions to safeguarding and promoting global health.
