ASHA slum project

I have had the privilege of visiting this project in Delhi on several occaisions and thought you might like to hear more. It is a community empowerment and development project bringing 'hope to those who need it most' Each Slum Colony starts a programme of empowerment and primary health care, education and community development with training and support from the ASHA society. Over the past 15 years the project has grown to include >250,000 people and is a resounding success. Figures for child health, immunisation, family planning, TB control, school attendance and maternal health are well above the national average for India - never mind the usual picture in a city slum. ASHA is based on sharing the love of Christ in action and as such shares much in common with Cairdeas. Dr Kieran Martin, the founder was challenged to support those who have so little future and hope and has been awarded the Padmashree for her services to the poor. Issue of chronic disease such as mental health and diabetes are now being addressed and we hope to work together on a palliative care needs assessment next year. Here are some photos that illustrate the environment and the sense of hope. They were taken on my most recent visit last week. The wee baby is being held with her road to health chart - a WHO method of monitoring child health. The water pump is one of 50 for a population of 50,000 - previuos to ASHA's support there were only 5!