21-year-old Bharti is from Dhanbad, the coal capital of India. Before joining Video Volunteers, she was working as a teacher at a sewing centre run by an NGO. Her inclination towards social work and fighting for community rights came early. At a young age, she joined protests against Koleri mines that came up near her village. Having seen the areas…

Bharti Kumari

Pipratand village, Dhanbad, Jharkhand | Bharti Kumari

For over a year, administration of vaccinations had come to a halt at the Anganwadi centre in Pipratand village. Women had to travel to the faraway PHC in Baghmara for vaccinations. Community Correspondent Bharti Kumari reported the matter through a video, screened it to Chief Medical Officer SM Jafarullah and wrote him an application urging him to ensure that vaccinations are resumed at the village. “The ANM posted at the Angwanwadi centre in Pipratand had retired and there was no ANM was assigned to replace her. This is why no vaccinations were taking place. We have now assigned this centre to another ANM,” says Jafarullah. Vaccinations have now resumed at Pipratand village.

The series on Maternal Health is supported by Oxfam India.