ASHA Workers' Struggle For Survival In Shadows Outside WHO Spotlight

ASHA workers' battle against low payments, no facilities and erratic schedules continues.

Come rain, sun, hail or indeed a contagion, the band of women who form the bedrock of India's rural healthcare system slog on, anonymous, underpaid and mostly unsung until last week when the WHO honoured them for their efforts in controlling Covid.

For the 10 lakh Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) volunteers who administer medicines, vaccines, first aid, offer health advice and a myriad other services across the length and breadth of India, the WHO recognition is just the global spotlight they need.

But their battle against low payments, no facilities and erratic schedules continues. And because they are women, so does the tightrope walk between their homes and their jobs.

Like for Sailendri, 42, an ASHA worker from Basti in Uttar Pradesh who wakes up at 3 am every morning, finishes her chores at home and then joins her colleagues in going home to home. Her primary worry is how to make ends meet.