Sarvodaya Ashram, in collaboration with RCCPLMP Birla from Kundan Ganj, Raebareli, proudly spearheaded the “Arogya Sakhi” program, a pivotal initiative designed to significantly enhance the health and nutritional well-being of diverse communities. This comprehensive health-related program meticulously addressed the needs of various social strata, embodying our commitment to holistic community development.
Project Period: 2022-2023
Location: Kundanganj, Raebareli
Strategic Implementation and Capacity Building
The program’s successful execution began with the careful selection of a dedicated coordinator and eleven committed field workers, known as ‘Arogya Sakhis’. These individuals underwent rigorous training programs specifically designed to build their capacity, equip them with essential health knowledge, and empower them to effectively serve as front-line health advocates within their communities.
Extensive Awareness Campaigns and Impact
The Arogya Sakhi program organized a series of impactful awareness campaigns throughout the year, strategically aligning with key health observances to maximize reach and resonance. These campaigns covered critical public health topics, including:
- World Immunization Day: Approximately 100 women, including expectant mothers, lactating women, and adolescent girls, along with 11 Arogya Sakhis, were educated on the profound importance of timely immunization, fostering a deeper understanding of its protective benefits.
- Diabetes Day: 30 individuals received vital education on diabetes, leading to a demonstrable increase in their understanding of prevention and management.
- Newborn Week: 51 pregnant and lactating women were engaged in focused sessions on newborn care, emphasizing best practices for maternal and infant health.
- World AIDS Day: 32 Arogya Sakhis participated in an awareness drive and underwent HIV testing, all yielding negative results, thereby promoting safe practices and dispelling myths.
- World Water Day: Details not provided in the original text, but implied as part of the general awareness.
- World Tuberculosis Day: 60 community members, encompassing women and adolescent girls, were thoroughly educated on Tuberculosis (TB), its treatment protocols, and crucial preventive measures.
- World No Tobacco Day: 33 community members were sensitized to the severe dangers and long-term health hazards associated with smoking, encouraging cessation and healthier lifestyles.
A significant achievement was noted in the nutrition month program, where 75% of the 294 participating women demonstrated improved health outcomes. Furthermore, the program extended its benefits to 139 lactating women and 194 adolescent girls, providing targeted support for these vulnerable groups.
Direct Healthcare Service Delivery: Beyond awareness, the project delivered tangible health services directly to the villagers through a series of well-organized camps:
- Antenatal Care: 99 pregnant women received crucial health check-ups, ensuring early detection and management of potential complications.
- Weekly Health Check-up Camps: In the latter phase of the program, weekly camps (held three days a week) catered to 327 patients and other individuals. These camps offered comprehensive assessments including blood pressure, diabetes, weight, and vision testing, complemented by free medicine and expert consultation where needed.
- Reproductive Health Education: 246 women, including adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, received vital education and awareness on reproductive health, empowering them with knowledge for informed decision-making.
Supplementary Initiatives for Community Empowerment
The Arogya Sakhi program also encompassed several other impactful initiatives:
- Adolescent Group Meetings: These sessions served as crucial platforms for 466 adolescent girls and women (aged 11 to 19, from primary to graduate levels) to articulate their experiences and challenges. They received appropriate counseling and guidance, fostering resilience and personal growth.
- Staff Training Program: Continuous professional development was prioritized for the Arogya Sakhis, with specialized training from subject matter experts across various domains, significantly enhancing their skill sets.
- Immunization of Pregnant Women: A total of 91 pregnant women were successfully immunized between October and March, contributing to improved maternal and child health indicators.
- Distribution of Nutritious Food: 21 pregnant women and 49 lactating mothers benefited from the distribution of nutritious food items, addressing critical dietary needs.
- Activities for the Elderly: The program fostered inclusivity by organizing specific activities for 36 elderly individuals from backward castes (5 men and 31 women), promoting their engagement and well-being.
- Establishment of Kitchen Gardens: Through the distribution of vegetable seeds in 55 villages, the program encouraged the establishment of kitchen gardens, promoting self-sufficiency in nutrition and raising awareness about the importance of fresh, green vegetables.
- Exposure Visits for Workers: To broaden their perspectives and enhance experiential learning, Arogya Sakhis participated in exposure visits to prominent locations such as the Lucknow Zoo and Lulu Mall.
- Child Immunization: A total of 366 children across 11 villages received vital immunizations, safeguarding their health and contributing to community-wide disease prevention.
Program Evaluation and Future Outlook: This year served as a preparatory phase for the multi-year Arogya Sakhi project. A comprehensive baseline survey was conducted, and based on its recommendations, some interventions were successfully implemented during this period, with further recommendations slated for future application.
Conclusion: Through the multifaceted and deeply impactful Arogya Sakhi program, Sarvodaya Ashram has achieved another significant milestone in its journey toward comprehensive healthcare programming. By focusing on awareness, direct service delivery, and community empowerment, we continue to strive for a healthier, more nourished, and resilient society.