In the bustling districts of Howrah, where access to quality healthcare remains a challenge for marginalized communities, the Mahila Arogya Samiti (MAS) initiative has emerged as a beacon of hope. With support from The We Foundation and the Health Department of Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC), a transformative training program was rolled out in two comprehensive phases across all 66 wards of Howrah Municipal Corporation, involving over 100 MAS Groups and Urban ASHAs (Honorary Health Workers).
Empowering Grassroots Leaders
The first phase of the training brought together the key post-holders—Chairpersons, Secretaries, and Treasurers—from 100 MAS Groups. These women, often the first point of contact for health concerns in their communities, were trained on health resource mapping, understanding critical health indicators, and accessing government health schemes. They learned how to navigate these systems, turning abstract policies into tangible benefits for their communities.
In the second phase, the initiative expanded to include all members of the MAS Groups, totaling 10–12 individuals per group. This inclusive approach fostered a collective sense of responsibility and strengthened the community-based health framework. Participants were educated on maternal and child health, immunization, family planning, adolescent health, and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Through this training, these women gained not just knowledge but also the confidence to advocate for and implement better health practices within their neighborhoods.
Transforming Maternal and Child Health
One of the most profound impacts of the training has been its effect on maternal and child health. By equipping MAS members with the tools and knowledge to support pregnant and lactating mothers, the program has directly contributed to reducing malnutrition and improving the physical, psychological, and social development of children aged 0–6 years. MAS members now actively educate mothers about the importance of proper nutrition, routine immunization, and hygiene practices, laying the foundation for healthier futures for thousands of children.
Women like Sunita, a MAS member from Ward 35, share stories of how they’ve guided mothers in their communities to seek timely antenatal care and adopt nutritious diets during pregnancy. “Before the training, we didn’t know how much of a difference these small actions could make,” Sunita recalls. “Now, we’re saving lives.”
Fostering Community Resilience
The training program also emphasized interdepartmental convergence, encouraging MAS members to collaborate with health supervisors and Medical Officers in Charge (MOICs) from Urban Primary Health Centers (UPHCs). This synergy has improved access to healthcare services, making it easier for families to seek support for immunization, adolescent health, and family planning.
MAS members now act as bridges between government health services and their communities, ensuring that resources like vaccines, health check-ups, and sanitation programs reach even the most vulnerable populations. Their active participation has brought about measurable improvements in reducing infant mortality, maternal deaths, and malnutrition rates, while fostering a culture of health awareness.
Building a Healthier Future
The program’s success is reflected not only in the improved health indicators but also in the empowerment of women who now lead their communities with pride and purpose. These grassroots leaders are not just facilitators of healthcare services; they are changemakers, ensuring that children thrive, mothers are supported, and families are healthier.
Through this initiative, the MAS Groups have become vital institutions in Howrah’s urban health ecosystem, creating a ripple effect of change that touches every family they serve. By enhancing the capabilities of these women, the program has laid a foundation for a healthier, more resilient community, where every child has the opportunity to grow, every mother feels supported, and no family is left behind in their pursuit of health and well-being.
This is the essence of empowerment—equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to transform not just their own lives but the lives of countless others in their communities. The We Foundation’s collaboration with HMC stands as a testament to the power of grassroots leadership in creating sustainable, meaningful change.