Accredited Social Health Activists-Launched under National Rural Health Mission, 2005 to create a link between the community and public health system in rural India. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the implementing authority
Responsibilities:
1.Mobilize women for antenatal care, institutional deliveries, and immunization
2.Promote breastfeeding, monitor child growth, immunization
3.Distribute contraceptives, counsel on spacing methods
4.Support in Malaria, Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programs
5.Conduct awareness campaigns on hygiene, sanitation and nutrition
6.Provide ORS, Iron Folic Acids tablets, Paracetamol etc
7.Contact tracing, community surveillance and vaccine awareness
Challenges:
1.Low and irregular incentives, no fixed salary or social security
2.Overburdened with multiple schemes
3.Inadequate and irregular training
4.Lack of formal status as government workers
5.Fieldwork during Covid and in remote areas poses personal risk
Recent Developments:
1. In May 2022, ASHA workers received the WHO Global Health Leaders Award for their role in Covid-19 response
2. Introduction of mobile apps like ANMOL, Nikshay and eSanjeevani for better data reporting and telemedicine
3.Nationwide protests in 2022-2024 demanding regular pay, social security and formal employment status
4.Training modules under National Health Mission
