"ASHA Warrior Matilda Kullu: Transforming Villages and Breaking Barriers in Healthcare"

Matilda Kullu, a 46-year-old Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker from Odisha's Sundargarh district, has made significant strides in transforming her village and improving healthcare access. Recognized as the third mention on the Forbes W-Power 2021 list, she stands out as the only ASHA worker from India to achieve this distinction.

Every morning at 5 am, Matilda begins her day with household chores before embarking on her duties. Originally motivated by the need to support her family financially, Matilda took on the role of an ASHA worker in 2006, assigned to Gargadbahal village in Baragaon tehsil. The village, predominantly inhabited by the Kharia tribe, lacked proper healthcare access, with residents relying on traditional remedies and rituals instead of seeking medical attention.

Matilda's initial focus was on changing the villagers' mindset, especially regarding maternal healthcare. Despite resistance, she tirelessly went door-to-door, emphasizing the importance of hospital visits for pregnant women. Over time, she successfully facilitated a shift in mentality, leading to a significant increase in hospital deliveries. Despite her dedication, Matilda highlights the stagnant nature of her salary, which averages around Rs 5,000 per month even after 15 years of service.

Beyond maternal healthcare, Matilda expanded her responsibilities to include vaccination drives, family planning campaigns, and assisting in childbirth. The recognition and trust she earned from doctors enabled her to play a crucial role in healthcare initiatives within the village.

Matilda's journey was not without challenges, including facing discrimination due to her caste. Overcoming societal prejudices, she is now celebrated in her community, with families seeking her assistance during pregnancies. Matilda takes pride in her achievement of being the first ASHA worker featured on the Forbes W-Power 2021 list, emphasizing that her work has paved the way for others to join the program.

Despite the financial challenges, Matilda remains committed to her role, driven by the satisfaction of helping those in need. Her recognition on a global platform serves as a testament to the impactful work of ASHA workers in transforming healthcare at the grassroots level.

Reference:

www.thebetterindia.com