Asha

/ˈɑːʃə/ noun

Definition

A hope or desire in Sanskrit, and also a program name referring to health workers in India.

Etymology

From Sanskrit 'asha' meaning 'hope' or 'wish,' a word deeply embedded in South Asian languages and culture. Used formally in Indian public health programs as part of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists).

Kelly Says

The Indian government's ASHA program—where the word 'asha' means hope—employs millions of rural women as health workers, and studies show they've saved more lives and improved health outcomes more efficiently than many hospital systems costing ten times more.

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