How ASHA Worker Ranjana Dwivedi Uses Art To Communicate Healthcare To Madhya Pradesh Villagers

For over a decade, Ranjana Dwivedi has been providing healthcare assistance to the people of Gurguda village in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district as an ASHA worker.

The 45-year-old has been making trips and providing her services to the village, which is home to nearly 500 people from the Kevat and Gadariya communities. Approaching and talking to people was nigh on possible, but Ms. Dwivedi resorted to art for communication.

She sensitises villagers on various issues, including vaccine-preventable diseases, dengue, child health and nutrition. With the help of her 23-year-old son, Ms. Dwivedi hand paints the characters to aware people on various health issues.

When COVID-19 hit the country, it was an additional task for Ranjana Dwivedi to communicate the repercussions of the deadly virus to the villagers. However, creativity came to her rescue. She would create fictional stories and characters to convey the message, draw posters detailing the causes, protocols, and medications related to the coronavirus.

She risked her life and her family by getting out on the field every day to save others, educating the family members, covering the shortage of medicine, and much more. Besides, she was also deployed to raise awareness regarding COVID vaccination.

Ms Dwivedi's work has been acknowledged by National Public Radio, an international organisation based in the United States. She was among the 19 women selected globally, and the only one from India as one of the most influential females working towards the fight against COVID-19.