Join us for a deep and inspiring conversation on Prioritising Health among Tribal Communities: Current Context and Future Directions.
In this session, Dr Abhay Bang (SEARCH, Gadchiroli) and Dr Johnny Oommen (Christian Hospital, Bissamcuttack) speak with Hrishikesh Parthasarathy (Azim Premji Foundation) on their decades of grassroots experience working with some of India’s most underserved tribal populations.
They share how Gandhian values inspired their journey, the early challenges they faced in remote, resource-poor regions, the stories and learnings on their lifelong commitments to tribal health, and the transformative community-led approaches they pioneered. Key topics include innovations in community health worker programs that drastically reduced child mortality, adapting to shifting disease burdens like malaria and chronic kidney disease, and practical advice for NGOs and civil society on listening, local innovation, and influencing health policy.
Important aspects that came out include:
- Trained health workers, drawn from the local community play a pivotal role in Tribal Community Health. They bring programmes, and support directly to the people. Therefore, strengthening the role of the health workers could help address key health needs of the people.
- We must first pause and listen to the voice of the community. The people themselves will make it clear as to what are the prominent health issues of their community, what are their priorities. No action should be taken without leading from the lens of the people.
- Understanding epidemiological transitions is critical to evolving knowledge and practices in the space. In many areas, Cases of NCDs, kidney failure, stroke etc. are increasing significantly. So are mental health problems and addiction.
- Innovative methods need to be developed, taking into account realities of the community and their traditions. These methods can then substantially improve the overall health of the community.
- We need to prioritise data and research in the public health ecosystem when it comes to tribal health. Civil society organisations can play and active role in understanding the issues on the ground through research and data and filling in the gaps in healthcare.
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Whether you are a health professional, social worker, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this rich discussion offers valuable insights into sustainable, equitable health care for tribal communities — driven by compassion, participation, and evidence.