India's one million all-women ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist Workers) workers were awarded and honoured by WHO for their 'outstanding' contribution to advancing global health, demonstrated leadership and commitment to regional health issues.

ASHA (which means hope in Hindi) are the more than 1 million female volunteers in India. They were honoured for their crucial role in linking the community with the health system and ensuring those living in rural poverty can access primary health care services, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.