ASHA birthday celebration in Budhiya UPHC in Bhagalpur, Bihar.
In October 2023, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) collaborated with the government in Bihar, India, to launch a unique and heartwarming initiative to honor and motivate the unsung heroes of India’s healthcare system: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs).
ASHAs are frontline health workers that tirelessly bridge the gap between the community and the healthcare system, especially for family planning services. Recognizing their crucial role, the birthday initiative aimed to celebrate ASHAs during monthly meetings held at Urban Primary Health Centers (UPHCs).
Typically centered around coaching, planning, and reporting, these meetings took on new meaning with these heartfelt celebrations that profoundly touched the ASHAs. Many were visibly moved, with tears in their eyes as their birthdays were celebrated meaningfully for the first time. When asked about their experience, the ASHAs expressed they felt emotional, motivated, recognized, and respected. One shared:
I never imagined something like this could be done for me. I had always observed the birthdays of others, but my birthday had never been celebrated like this before. For the first time, I cut a cake, and it felt incredibly special.”
During a master coach meeting, this initiative was discussed extensively, with plans to continue as a tribute to the ASHAs. Government officials supported the idea, recognizing the critical role ASHAs play in the community, far outpacing their position as volunteer workers. The officials present affirmed that this celebration was long overdue. One said:
ASHAs work tirelessly for everyone, and we felt it was time to recognize them.”
The Medical Officers in Charge at UPHCs also appreciated the birthday initiative, noting significant improvements in coordination and relationships with the community health workers. They observed that ASHAs felt more connected, leading to increased work efficiency. This newfound motivation resulted in better preparation of eligible family planning client lists, increased attendance at family planning fixed-day static services, and an overall rise in client flow at the UPHCs.
This initiative not only celebrates ASHAs’ birthdays but also instills in them a deep sense of belonging and appreciation. In Bihar, ASHA birthdays are now more than just a date – they stand as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of these public health heroes. As one ASHA reflected:
Everybody asks for work, but this was the first time I felt like part of a family. Someone did something personal for me, and it touched my heart deeply.”
The graph below illustrates a substantial increase in the uptake of modern contraceptives across 60 UPHCs in the seven TCI intervention cities in Bihar, correlating to increased ASHA activity. The significant rise highlights the impact of the ASHAs’ efforts in promoting and facilitating access to modern contraceptive methods within their communities.
