In a vast multifaceted country like India, making a permanent impact on the health and development scene, particularly to help the vulnerable people, requires a sophisticated and dynamic understanding of the changing development panorama so that response is prompt and creative. In many ways, VHAI has fulfilled this demand in the past. Perhaps the situation is getting further complicated with the direct impact of globalization and COVID-19 pandemic. Learnings from COVID-19 pandemic have further reinforced our agenda. Based on Voluntary health Association of India (VHAI) & State Voluntary Health Associations’ (State VHAs) past experience, we are proposing to evolve a clear strategy for future action by VHAI and State VHAs based on the participatory workshop, which is based on three pillars- Health Promotion, Self-Care for Health and Equity.
Several online workshops with active participation of State VHAs and members institutions across the country were organized to discuss the concept of Health, Wellbeing and Equity.
This participatory workshop helped us to collectively reflect on the future roadmap & action plan of Health, Wellbeing & Equity as well as on how to integrate it with our ongoing work on the ground.
Introduction
The State Workshop on “Health, Wellbeing, and Equity” was organized by the Bihar Voluntary Health Association (BVHA) to address critical health-related issues in Bihar. The workshop aimed to create awareness, share knowledge, and foster discussions on promoting health, wellbeing, and equity in the state. The event witnessed active participation from diverse stakeholders, including health professionals, community leaders, and civil society organizations.
Highlights of the Workshop
Welcome Address: Mr. Raghupati Singh, President of BVHA, warmly welcomed the attendees, setting the tone for the workshop.
Introduction of State Workshop: Mr. Swapan Mazumder, Executive Director of BVHA, introduced the workshop’s purpose and objectives.
Concept of Health, Wellbeing, and Equity: Mr. Alok Mukhopadhyay, Chairman of VHAI’s Advisory Committee, provided insights into the concepts of health, wellbeing, and equity, emphasizing their significance in public health.
Overview of Three Modules: Dr. Nancepreet Kaur, Programme Manager at VHAI, presented an overview of the three modules under the framework of Health, Wellbeing, and Equity, including Health Promotion, Self-Care for Health and Disease Prevention, and Equity.
Documentary Film “I Want to Fly”: The workshop featured a screening of the documentary film “I Want to Fly,” shedding light on important health-related narratives.
Health Promotion Work in Bihar: Mr. Swapan Mazumder elaborated on BVHA’s health promotion efforts in Bihar and provided insights into current programs.
Sharing of Field Experience: Field practitioners, including ASHA workers, ANMs, Anganwadi workers, schoolteachers, and local body leaders, shared their valuable experiences and best practices in promoting health, wellbeing, and equity.
Panel Discussion: Diverse panelists, including representatives from the Health Department, public health experts, hospital administrators, alternative medicine experts, and civil society leaders, engaged in a dynamic discussion on the health challenges facing Bihar and the roles of various stakeholders in addressing them.
Open House Discussion and Q&A: Participants had the opportunity to engage in open discussions and ask questions, moderated by the BVHA team.
Future Action Plan: The BVHA team discussed the future action plan for promoting health, wellbeing, and equity in Bihar.
Guest of Honour and Chief Guest Addresses: Distinguished guests delivered insightful addresses, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts for improving health, wellbeing, and equity in Bihar.
Vote of Thanks: Mr. Kaushal Kishor, Secretary of BVHA, extended gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their valuable contributions to the workshop.
