Madhya Pradesh’s (MP) health indicators are appalling – the second highest infant mortality rate in the country, higher than average maternal deaths and more than 50 per cent of children under the age of three, are malnourished. These indicators are even higher in the Kesla Block of MP, where the Gonds, Korkus and other Scheduled Caste communities have borne the brunt of displacement due to the construction of the Tawa Dam and the establishment of an ammunition testing ground. There is heavy dependence on quacks, private practitioners and traditional healers like bhagats because of poverty and ignorance.

Armed wit h extensive experience in community empowerment, the Sir Albert Howard Memorial Trust (SAHMET), has initiated a health intervention in 50 villages around Kesla. In the first phase of the Community Health Program, efforts are concentrated on the capacity building of community health workers (CHW) through training and exposure. SAHMAT creates awareness among the villagers regarding the various public health schemes available so that children need not die of snake or dog bite because of time wasted on bhagats. Patients suffering from tuberculosis, malaria and jaundice can seek timely medical intervention.

SAHMET has been mobilizing community groups – youth, adolescents and women – to take up various issues. Young people have the space to discuss issues of gender, sexuality and HIV/AIDS. Men are sensitized to women’s needs. Women learn to deal with rampant anaemia and malnutrition.