ASHA Workers: On the Front Lines of Climate Change

ASHA workers in India are enduring extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius in Banda in May 2026. Despite being accustomed to heat, many report this year's conditions as exceptionally harsh, forcing them to work outdoors in scorching afternoon temperatures. Climate change is reshaping outdoor labor, with ASHA workers conducting household surveys and health camps facing increasing heat exposure.

These essential workers, earning meager and often delayed wages, lack basic protective gear like umbrellas or sun jackets. Training on heatwaves primarily focuses on community members rather than protecting the ASHAs themselves. Reports indicate high percentages of ASHA workers experiencing dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, with lost working hours and illness leading to deducted pay.

The National Health Mission has integrated heat-related modules, but implementation remains uneven. Many ASHAs, including those navigating perimenopause, suffer from chronic health issues like UTIs and leg pain due to restricted water intake during fieldwork. Despite their vital role, they are not officially recognized as a climate-vulnerable occupational group.

Advocates call for formal recognition of their climate-related duties, including training, compensation, protective gear, and adjusted working hours without wage loss. They emphasize that addressing ASHA workers' needs is crucial for occupational health, climate justice, gender justice, and building a resilient public health system.