Melinda Gates Lauds India's ‘Grassroot Soldiers’ and its Health Indices

Melinda French Gates lauded the Government of India's enormous efforts made in managing the Covid-19 pandemic and congratulated the Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on India's successful Covid-19 immunization push. She also praised the various programs and policies of the Union Health Ministry that have helped to increase opportunity and progress for women.

During their meeting, the potential and fresh possibilities for India's ambitious health sector changes were thoroughly explored by Dr. Mandaviya and Gates, with a focus on bolstering the nation's health infrastructure and the Ayushman Bharat-led digital health initiative.

In view of India's current G20 Presidency, they also explored ways to leverage Indian vaccine production and digital goods for improving public health around the world.

Moreover, a report titled "Grassroot Soldiers: Role of ASHAs and ANMs in the COVID-19 Pandemic Management in India" was released by Dr. Mandaviya and Gates on Tuesday. The National Health Systems Resource Center, the Institute for Competitiveness, and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) collaborated to produce the report (IFC).

Dr. Mandaviya stated that “Our frontline healthcare workers, by taking upon the role of both caregivers and leaders during the pandemic, have emerged as our true heroes. It is important to document and share their story of addressing and managing such a huge crisis with tremendous dedication and commitment.”

The study is a thorough document that summarizes the expertise and significant role that ASHAs and ANMs played in India's pandemic response strategy as well as their crucial participation in providing normal medical services to the most remote areas in the country.

India started one of the most extensive immunization campaigns in the world, extending its reach to the innermost and far-flung regions of the country. They impacted every household as foot soldiers, helped the COVID-19 management, and encouraged immunization. During this, the ASHAs and ANMs provided a variety of services, including door-to-door surveys, vaccination, disseminating knowledge about hygienic practices, nutrition, and sanitation, providing reproductive and childcare services, and preventing & controlling infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Melinda Gates praised India's accomplishments and its improvement in important health indices. She said, “It is amazing how India covered more than 90 % of its population through vaccination in such a short time. India has been a champion in pioneering innovations to fight the pandemic and minimize its impact on the most vulnerable groups. The country has made rapid strides in improving health outcomes of millions of citizens, particularly in ensuring consistent progress on maternal and child health indicators."

"India has done remarkable work in the comprehensive primary health care system & digital health, lessons from India can be replicated across the world. The Gates Foundation stands committed to support India’s health priorities including health system strengthening and elimination of persistent diseases", she added.