Babita Pal works as an ASHA at the Hanuman Nagar Urban Primary Health Center (UPHC).
Babita Pal – an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) at the Hanuman Nagar Urban Primary Health Center (UPHC) in Mau, Uttar Pradesh – is a trusted presence in her community. Known for her dedication, Babita goes beyond routine home visits by actively engaging Mahila Arogya Samiti (MAS) members and conducting outreach efforts to promote maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and family planning.
During one MAS-supported group meeting for pregnant women, Babita noticed a pale, fragile young woman sitting silently while others asked questions. The woman was 26-year-old Dhara Raj, already a mother of two and now pregnant with her third child. Concerned by her appearance, Babita decided to visit her at home. She recalled:
Dhara was only a month into her pregnancy but was already experiencing extreme fatigue and weakness. Her husband, Aakash Raj, didn’t realize how serious it was. I convinced them to visit the District Women’s Hospital the very next day.”
The diagnosis was alarming: Dhara’s hemoglobin level was critically low at just 6 g/dL, which indicated severe anemia. The attending gynecologist warned of the life-threatening risks associated with continuing the pregnancy in her condition. While Dhara was unsure of what to do, Aakash was determined to proceed.
As a coach trained by The Challenge Initiative (TCI), Babita understood the medical dangers and knew how to act quickly. She discovered Dhara had not yet registered for antenatal care (ANC) and immediately helped her enroll. Babita then personally accompanied her to the hospital for treatment. Dhara was prescribed iron supplements and counseled on the importance of a nutritious diet to manage her anemia.
Soon after starting treatment, Dhara began experiencing nausea and vomiting due to her medication. Undeterred, Babita took her to the nearest UPHC, where the Medical Officer In-Charge (MOIC) explained the importance of continuing her supplements alongside proper nutrition for her own health and that of her baby.
Thanks to Babita’s consistent support and encouragement, Dhara remained committed to her treatment. She gradually regained strength, completed all four recommended ANC check-ups for the first time, and consistently took her iron and calcium supplements – something she hadn’t done during her previous pregnancies.
In February 2025, Dhara delivered a healthy baby girl. Babita remembered the moment fondly:
When she saw me after the delivery, tears welled up in her eyes. She thanked me not just for helping her have a safe, normal delivery, but because after two sons, the birth of her daughter felt like a long-awaited blessing.”
Following postpartum counseling from the MOIC and Babita, Dhara chose to have a intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) inserted immediately after delivery.
I don’t want to go through this again, not when I have three beautiful children to raise.”
Dhara also promised to ensure her newborn received all recommended vaccinations, marking a positive shift in her health-seeking behavior.
Across nine TCI-supported cities in Uttar Pradesh, TCI is partnering with the government to strengthen MNCH services by strengthening the capacity of ASHAs like Babita, who are the backbone of India’s public health system.
