Posted: 04/04/2007
If you're already an Asha supporter, you may have received a leaflet telling you about Suraj.
At just 18 months old, Suraj was brought to an Asha clinic by Community Health Volunteers who had visited his poverty-stricken family and were deeply concerned.
Suraj was severely malnourished and his father was unable to earn enough money for the food and medical attention that he so desperately needed. Asha staff intervened, providing nutritious food, milk and money for warm clothes and blankets. With regular check-ups, gradually his condition improved.
Tragically, just 6 months later Suraj's mother died. As his father was out at work, CHVs and others in the community took care of Suraj every day. Today, thanks to Asha, Suraj is a happy and healthy 9-year old with a smile well-suited to his name which means "sun".
We'd like to make sure that everyone like Suraj gets the healthcare and help that they deserve.
Asha provides healthcare at a highly subsidised cost. Our Polyclinic, slum surgeries and mobile clinics are used by people who may be unable to travel to see a doctor, and who might not have enough money to pay for treatment even if they managed to get there.
Asha's trained health volunteers visit families within their community and are trained to spot those who are in need of care. Malnourished children, TB sufferers, disabled people and the elderly with no family are among those who are in greatest need. This Easter, we want to ensure that these people are identified and given help by Asha at no cost.
With your help, we can give free healthcare and financial assistance to some of the poorest people in Delhi's slums.
My son died when he was a baby as he had diarrhoea and I didn't know the right way to treat him. I was depressed and ashamed, and wouldn't go out for a long time. Asha convinced me to join a women's group and to learn how to recognise and treat different health problems. Now, I've been a Community Health Volunteer for 16 years and only one other child has died from diarrhoea in that time - I'm determined to make sure there are no more.
Gyanwati, Community Health Volunteer, Kalkaji
