C0221 Empowering Female Health Workers

Country: India

Project #: C0221

Needed: $38,300 (USD)

As an outreach of the Indian MB church, the Mennonite Brethren Development Organization (MBDO) is reaching out to the rural poor in South India with the goal of community transformation. One of the main ways that MBDO is meeting their needs is through the provision of primary health care. MBDO takes a holistic approach to community health with the goal of bringing healing to physical, social, emotional, and spiritual problems.

The training of female community health workers is a key part of this project. These women act as a bridge between MBDO and their communities. Their training is an essential part of making health care accessible in rural villages. In teaching seminars, they are taught about various health topics, such as; women's health, worm infestation, diarrhea, and other common illnesses in rural India. Following this, MBDO director J.L. David meets with these women regularly for further training and discussion about health related problems.

With this knowledge and the skills they have learned, volunteers are able to provide health care treatment and advice. They act as educators, informers, and health care providers in hard to reach places.

The ultimate goal of MBDO's work is that the people of India would come to know Jesus. The spiritual needs of India are great as many people are bound by superstition and idol worship. But as relationships are established in villages, people become more open to the Gospel. Many seeds are being sown as love is demonstrated practically and the Good News is shared with those in need of healing.

Photos

1. JL David and his wife Pramella
2. Teresa Regier, former Missionary Nurse to India, had gone back to help with the training
3. Community Health Care Worker with a patient