ASHA – A ray of hope
A recent media report highlighted remarkable reduction in the infant mortality rate (IMR) of India. India’s IMR improved from 47 in2010 to just 28 in 2022, bringing it closer to the global average of 27. ( see here ) Much contrary to the popular perception, India achieved one of the best Covid vaccination rates in the world. As per the latest available data close to two billion doses of Covid vaccines have been administered, defying all the logistic challenges. These are just two success stories from India’s public health sector. Recognizing these remarkable achievements, t he World Health Organization (WHO) recently honored more than a million Asha Workers of India for their commendable public service, especially during the pandemic. It is rather unfortunate that not much of the urban population is even aware of the existence of Asha (the frontline health workers). Many mistake Asha workers for Aanganwadi workers. Even though millions have “liked” the pictures of Asha workers ad...