August 17, 2023
By Anagha C.
Technical Coordinator (Healthcare)
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) data, being underweight, malnutrition, stunting, wasting, and anemia are still common among the Indian public, and below the State levels among marginalised communities, especially women and children. The fact stands true in the Nilgiris context, where Keystone’s Community Wellbeing team is working in five socio-ecological zones (Aracode, Coonoor, Konavakkarai, Sigur, and Pillur) to improve nutritional security, among other healthcare interventions. In August, we attempted to address the needs of the child population with a focus on nutritional security.
Our community health workers (CHWs) were successfully able to facilitate a minimum of a weekly session at 11 tribal residential schools from the respective areas throughout this month. Pictured in the cover image is Bokkapuram Government Tribal Residential Middle School in Devala, Nilgiris.
CHWs have a pivotal role in raising awareness and promoting knowledge exchange within their communities. They are seen as an agent of change as they are a mobile reservoir of health resources with sensitivity to the sociocultural and environmental dimensions. Currently, our CHWs are acting as a resource in the community. The system requires minimal organisational setup, optimum knowledge, and relatively enhanced skills to engage in awareness building. The monthly trainings being provided from the organisation caters to the capacity of the CHW’s cadre.
