Capacity Building Programme for ASHA, AWW and ANM Workers Held under Project BLOOM in Lungsen Aspirational Block

Lunglei, Oct 2025: As part of the Deputy Commissioner Lunglei’s initiative under Project BLOOM (Better Living through Outreach, Optimal Maternal & Child Health), a capacity building programme for the three key grassroots health functionaries within Lungsen Aspirational Block — ASHA, Anganwadi Workers (AWW) and ANMs (collectively known as the ‘3As’) — was organised today at the YMA Hall, Lungsen Hmar Veng.

The training was graced by Deputy Commissioner Pi Navneet Mann, who highlighted the crucial role of these frontline workers in improving maternal and child health outcomes. She emphasised that while the dedication of field workers is commendable, enhanced coordination, awareness and skill development are essential for more effective health interventions.

She also mentioned that substantial funds have been sanctioned by NITI Aayog for health and nutrition-related development in Lungsen Aspirational Block, and that various initiatives under Project BLOOM are already showing positive results. However, she added that consistent effort and community participation remain vital.

The Deputy Commissioner further urged the field workers to ensure proper dissemination of initiatives such as the BLOOM Gift Basket and SafeWombWheels — aimed at supporting pregnant women, improving institutional deliveries and promoting safe motherhood — to every household in need.

During the programme, DC Pi Navneet Mann launched the new “3As Report Card”, designed to track the performance and progress of ASHA, AWW and ANM workers. Their work will be assessed monthly across ten key parameters (five on health and five on nutrition) from November 2025 to March 2026, and the best-performing workers will be felicitated by the DC Office. The first sets of report cards were handed over to the 3As by Additional DC Pi Zoramdini.

The training was chaired by Lungsen Block Development Officer Pu Lalhruailiana Zote and attended by health and ICDS workers from various villages under the block. Dr Christina Zonunmawii (Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Lunglei), Pu C. Lalnunfela (District Programme Officer, Women & Child Development), Pu Vanlalsanga (CDPO, Lungsen), Dr Lalremruati (Medical Officer, Lungsen PHC), ICDS Circle Officers and the H&FW District Quality Manager gave presentations on various topics. In the afternoon, separate training sessions were conducted for AWWs at the YMA Hall and for ASHAs, HWOs and ANMs at the BDO Conference Hall.

Under Project BLOOM, efforts are being intensified to ensure safe deliveries at health facilities and to provide comprehensive maternal and child care. Key interventions include the SafeWombWheels transport service for expectant mothers, the establishment of waiting rooms and the distribution of BLOOM Gift Baskets to mothers delivering at health institutions.

The initiative has yielded encouraging results — as of September 2025, 85% of all registered deliveries in Lunglei District took place in health institutions, an increase from 84% the previous year. From April to September 2025 alone, 954 out of 1,120 deliveries were conducted in health facilities.