The Andaman & Nicobar Islands witnessed two major health awareness initiatives this week, reflecting the Administration’s continued efforts to strengthen community-level healthcare, preventive education, and social empowerment. The Composite Regional Centre (CRC) and the Directorate of Social Welfare organized parallel training programmes focused on stroke awareness, hygiene, and women’s wellbeing, bringing together Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and sanitation staff from across the islands.
At Brookshabad, the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) observed World Stroke Day 2025 by hosting an awareness-cum-training programme in collaboration with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) under the Directorate of Social Welfare. The session was designed to equip frontline health workers with knowledge about stroke identification, prevention, and rehabilitation.
The event was inaugurated by CRC Director Smti. Sumithamol S, who appreciated the vital role Anganwadi workers play in early health intervention and grassroots awareness. In her address, she outlined the causes and warning signs of stroke, stressing the importance of timely response and access to multidisciplinary rehabilitation for improved recovery outcomes.
She highlighted that stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability in India and underlined how community workers can make a crucial difference by recognizing symptoms early and guiding affected individuals towards medical care. The programme, attended by around 50 participants including 46 Anganwadi workers from urban areas of Sri Vijaya Puram, featured interactive discussions and practical demonstrations to enhance understanding of stroke management and rehabilitation support.
Participants learned about preventive lifestyle practices, including maintaining healthy diets, managing blood pressure, and promoting community education on physical activity and non-communicable diseases. The session also emphasized that rehabilitation extends beyond hospital treatment — involving physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social reintegration.
The CRC’s initiative forms part of a larger effort to decentralize health awareness and ensure that key messages reach the grassroots through trained community workers. By empowering Anganwadi workers, who serve as the first point of contact for many households, the programme aimed to bridge the gap between health institutions and local communities.
Meanwhile, in another important initiative, the State Hub for Empowerment of Women (SHEW) under the Directorate of Social Welfare organized a Workshop on Health and Sanitation, attended by over 60 participants including ASHA workers, sanitary workers, and field coordinators. The workshop aimed to strengthen awareness on hygiene, personal health, sanitation, and women’s safety, thereby promoting holistic well-being among frontline service providers.
The session began with a presentation by Shri P. Yusuf, Health Educator from the Health Department, who underscored the importance of water sanitation and its direct link to public health. He spoke about preventive measures to avoid waterborne diseases, safe water handling practices, and the need for continuous community education on cleanliness habits.
Dr. Shwetha Shameer, GDMO (RBSK) from the Directorate of Health Services, delivered a detailed lecture on the significance of personal and community hygiene. She encouraged participants to adopt sustainable hygiene practices, especially in densely populated and coastal areas where sanitation challenges are often greater.
Continuing the session, Dr. Nitu Sindhu, State Coordinator (SHEW), elaborated on the connection between physical, mental, and social well-being, emphasizing that health cannot be limited to the absence of disease. She spoke on food sanitation and nutrition, highlighting how awareness and discipline in food handling can prevent common illnesses and strengthen community health.
Adding a vital dimension to the workshop, Smt. Hemlatha, Gender Specialist, sensitized participants about the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, the functioning of One Stop Centres (OSC), and the Women Helpline (181). She discussed the rights and protections available to women under existing frameworks, urging workers to spread awareness and ensure that vulnerable groups are informed about redressal mechanisms.
The inclusion of POSH awareness alongside health topics reflected the Administration’s integrated approach to women’s empowerment, acknowledging that safety, dignity, and health are interconnected components of well-being. The session encouraged participants to act as community advocates, helping bridge awareness gaps and support women facing workplace or domestic challenges.
Both workshops underlined the growing emphasis on capacity-building among frontline workers who form the backbone of the social welfare and healthcare delivery system in the islands. By combining medical awareness with social empowerment, these initiatives sought to create a ripple effect that strengthens both community health and resilience.
Participants across both programmes expressed appreciation for the interactive sessions and practical demonstrations. Many shared that the workshops gave them greater confidence in identifying health risks, managing emergencies, and assisting women in distress.
The Directorate of Social Welfare and the Composite Regional Centre have been actively organizing such awareness programmes throughout the year to support the Administration’s goal of inclusive health education and social empowerment. The focus on collaboration between health professionals, educators, and field workers has helped ensure that critical knowledge reaches even the remotest communities of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
As the island community continues to prioritize public health education and empowerment, such programmes serve as strong reminders that the foundation of a healthy society lies in informed citizens and trained community workers. The efforts of the CRC and Social Welfare Department not only build awareness but also inspire a culture of care, responsibility, and collaboration at the grassroots level.
