2,000 Sahiyyas felicitated in Seraikela-Kharsawan

Seraikela-Kharsawan: 2000 sahiyyas gathered for the second annual Sahiyya Sammela, enabled by Tata Steel Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Mission and American India Foundation. 16 sahiyyas received special recognition and were felicitated for their achievements in implementing MANSI+ across the three districts of Kolhan division. Later this week, a third Sahiyya Sammela is expected to bring together 2000 more sahiyyas, of the 6000 sahiyyas operational across Kolhan division, who have been instrumental in helping MANSI+ reach saturation levels across the three districts.

Archana Tigga, DPC, Seraikela-Kharsawan, was the chief guest of the event, alongside Dr Ajay Kumar Sinha, Civil Surgeon of the District, and Satya Thakur, the District Social Welfare Officer. The event also witnessed the presence of Ravi Shankar Shukla, the District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner as the representative of the state.

Resonating his thoughts on the occasion, Sourav Roy, CEO, Tata Steel Foundation, said, “The coming together of 6000 sahiyyas, scattered across the three districts of Kolhan division, is also a reflection of our vision, where every individual can realise their potential with dignity, and thereby create an equitable and enlightened society. In the decadal journey of MANSI+, sahiyyas have been the key contributors, regularly upskilling and upgrading themselves to the needs that arise from the deepest contours of tribal and underserved communities. This network of 6000 sahiyyas, some of whom have been with us since the beginning, supported by about 250 MANSI field workers, have ensured that accessible healthcare reaches the last mile person with timely assistance for expecting mothers and newborns. This yearly get-together is a revelation where we can deep-dive into the extent of work carried out by the sahiyyas. We are thankful to our partners for walking with us through the decade of impact.”

The event started with an overview of the decadal journey of MANSI+ by Amit Kumar, Head, Community Health Cluster, Tata Steel Foundation, followed by a nukkad natak, stressing the importance of conversations around sexual health and hygiene. Awareness sessions like saas bahu pati sammelan, have been a gamechanger in initiating health-seeking behaviour to ensure no lives are affected due to societal pressure or prejudices.

In reflection of Tata Steel Foundation’s commitment to healthcare advancement, MANSI+ has strategically evolved as a life-cycle-based approach to reduce maternal and child mortality across the Kolhan region in Jharkhand. The impact of MANSI+ across the decade have made it a replicable model, which is now being adapted across other districts and states to ensure an overall reduction of MMR and NMR. The role of sahiyyas extend beyond immediate intervention, to regular awareness workshops and counselling sessions.