Supported by Mankind Pharma, Anaikatty is a cluster of hamlets nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, straddling the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. Renowned for its biodiversity, it is home to indigenous communities like the Irulas and Kurumbas. These tribes have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, embodying sustainable lifestyles and rich herbal knowledge. While Anaikatty’s natural beauty and cultural wisdom make it a unique eco-tourism hub, its tribal communities face significant health and socio-economic challenges.

The Tribal Way of Life and Struggles
The Irulas and Kurumbas primarily depend on traditional occupations like snake-catching, shifting agriculture, and handicrafts. Sadly, 90-97% of these tribal households live below the poverty line, relying on wage labor and small-scale farming. With limited access to education and healthcare, these communities are highly vulnerable to modern health challenges, including malnutrition, infectious diseases, and poor sanitation.

Why the Holistic Health Care Project (HHCP)?
The HHCP was established to address the pressing healthcare needs of Anaikatty’s villages. While the tribes rely on over 85 medicinal plants, this ancestral wisdom alone is insufficient to combat modern health issues. Problems like inadequate healthcare infrastructure, economic hardships, and a stigma towards allopathy exacerbate the situation. To bridge these gaps, the HHCP developed a comprehensive five-fold approach: healthcare training, health awareness, village health centers, menstrual equity initiatives, and promoting women’s entrepreneurship.

Key Interventions and Outcomes
Through health awareness camps, BMI assessments, and kitchen gardening training, HHCP combats malnutrition and promotes preventive healthcare. Awareness programs on hygiene, waste disposal, and menstrual health have significantly improved sanitation and reduced infections. The project also addresses specific challenges like anemia and infectious diseases through targeted awareness and follow-ups. Eye camps and seasonal disease awareness have further enhanced community health.

Empowering Women and Students
Menstrual equity is a cornerstone of HHCP. Women in Anaikatty, previously using makeshift menstrual materials, are now educated on hygiene and provided low-cost sanitary napkins through local production units. This initiative not only improves health but also fosters women’s entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, 12 health care students from Anaikatty villages are undergoing rigorous training, gaining practical experience through internships and workshops. These students are pivotal in creating sustainable healthcare solutions for their communities.

A Vision for a Healthier Future
With continuous support from Mankind Pharma, HHCP is transforming lives in Anaikatty. The project’s holistic interventions address health challenges while preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of the region. By empowering communities through education, healthcare, and self-sustainability initiatives, HHCP envisions a healthier, more resilient Anaikatty.