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An Indian Microfinance Institution Meets Clients’ Health-Related Needs

Bandhan, a rapidly growing microfinance institution in India, introduced an integrated set of health service to its clients as part of the Microfinance and Health Protection (MAHP) initiative led by Freedom from Hunger. Bandhan’s health protection services included the following: -Community health education forums provided by Health Community Organizers (HCOs) -A network of community health volunteers called Shastho Shohayikas (SS) who visit local families to reinforce health messages, sell over-the-counter health products, and encourage people to visit local healthcare providers when appropriate -Health loans