Many remote rural communities in Tamil Nadu are disadvantaged by the lack of access to basic needs such as health care and education. Tamwed's partner NGO CRUSADE carried out a needs assessment which revealed that only 14% of adults had permanent employment., 13% had latrine facilities and 16% suffered health problems. Tamwed prioritised health as an issue that with a small amount of support, a great difference could be made to the quality of life of low caste and tribal people.

A year-long pilot project took place to train and support community health workers to raise awareness about issues such as basic hygiene, to identify treatable diseases and to refer cases for further treatment. Each of 10 women, after training, was given the responsibility for training others, running events and campaigns and supporting their communities on health issues. This programme was designed to result in a tangible improvement in health and hygiene.