In the heart of Jeevan Nagar slum community lives 21-year-old Kajal, a young mother whose life has been shaped by poverty, illness, and early responsibility—but also by resilience, courage, and care.
From childhood, Kajal suffered from serious respiratory problems. What began as pneumonia evolved into chronic asthma, making even the act of breathing a daily challenge. Her condition was unpredictable and often severe, with asthma attacks that lasted for weeks. Despite the physical and emotional burden, Kajal pressed on, unaware that her greatest challenges were still ahead.
At just sixteen, Kajal was married. Within a year, she became pregnant. During her seventh month, her health deteriorated rapidly. Struggling to breathe and suffering from dangerously high blood pressure, she was hospitalized. Tests confirmed what had long gone undiagnosed—she had chronic asthma, making her pregnancy high-risk.
Doctors prescribed strict bed rest, continuous medication, and regular monitoring. But access to healthcare was limited, and Kajal had little support to navigate the complexities of her condition during pregnancy. That’s when Asha stepped in. Asha’s health team began making regular visits to Kajal’s home. She was enrolled in Asha’s Antenatal Care Program, where trained health workers monitored her vitals, provided asthma medication, and ensured she had access to nutritious food and emotional support. The team accompanied her to hospitals, interpreted medical advice, and ensured she never missed a weekly clinic. They offered more than medical support—they provided dignity, empathy, and a listening ear.
With Asha by her side, Kajal gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
But the struggle didn’t end there. When her son turned three, Kajal suffered a near-fatal asthma attack. She collapsed and was barely conscious. In that critical moment, Asha’s nurse practitioner rushed to her side and administered emergency medication, stabilizing her condition and saving her life. It was a moment that underscored just how vital Asha’s presence had become in her life.
Now pregnant with her second child, Kajal continues to face significant health challenges. Even minimal physical effort leaves her breathless and exhausted. But she remains determined to care for her son and her unborn child, supported every step of the way by Asha.
Today, Asha continues to provide Kajal with critical antenatal care—regular health checkups, medications, nutrition counseling, and constant encouragement. The Asha team sees her not just as a patient, but as a strong woman, a mother, and a survivor who deserves respect, care, and opportunity.
