Female community activists like Heltira Mumin are behind India´s impressive gains against malaria in recent years. Known as ASHAs, or Accredited Social Health Activists, this army of mostly women is the vital link between rural communities and the public health system. As trained health volunteers, they visit villages and provide care and prevention education on a range of health issues, including reproductive and sexual health, malaria, tuberculosis and other ailments. Heltira and her fellow community workers are also a role model for young girls in many villages.