The role of the LHWs has grown in a number of dimensions that have threatened to

weaken the ability of the LHW to perform its core functions. The concerns of the expansion of
the LHW's catchment area in relation to the total population expected to serve, which has
increased from a maximum of 1,000 residents to 1,500, NIDs / polio, drought, rains and floods,
COVID19 and others activities such as tuberculosis, dengue or malaria etc. all these affected
their actual performance and had an impact socially, psychologically on them always as
overburden work.

Role of civil society and organizations in LHW program context:

Civil Society and NGOs had helped much in Self-Motivation & Trust Building of LHWs in the
community through Behavioral Changes training and activities to both community and LHWs,
LHSs & program managers. By Self-motivation hard workers were recognized and appreciated
at forums and raised morale of Health workers and build support of LWHs.

Civil Society had also created awareness of communities regarding health issues through health
education since years that’s why most of community is well aware and contacting nearest LHW
for information as well as getting services. Through this also helped to shift the attitudes of
public to healthy behaviors.

Through advocacy with policy makers, helped in developing workers friendly policies,
especially gender balanced, anti-harassment policies etc. In this regard as newly appointed
LHWs salaries and contract extension in district Tharparkar is resolved through parliamentarian
advocacy.