Update from a discussions with Balaji: In TN, a strong Aid-Chennai team
acts as a support structure for the HBP programme. But this support
structure is not there in Bihar. BGVS has good expertise organizing
camps (like TB camp, eye camp etc) - that is, one time events - but they
are not able to generate an interest in a sustained health programme.
Moving forward, the plan is to stop funding for 6 blocks in Bihar. Also,
for the other block, the number of villages where the program will be
continues will be reduced from 60 to 30. 

 

Begusarai block is probably going to be dropped. This block is actually
a very strong block in terms of SHGs. But block wasn't interested in
health programme. In other blocks which will be dropped, either there
are no women VHAs or programme not going well. 

 

Balaji said that with our last couple of years of interactions with BGVS
and TNSF, AID-US have reached a kind of maturity to initiate things -
chapters could print stories and ask blocks to take it to their
villages...but it is diffuclt to assess thigs on the ground from here in
the US

 

Action item for Madhulika : Madhulika will talk to Balaji again and get
the exact names of the 6 blocks that will be dropped from the health
program.