India has a population of over 1 billion, still mostly living in villages and working on the land. Despite some perceptions that the country is becoming more prosperous, there are more poor people in India than in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. Hundreds of millions live in poverty and family incomes in rural Tamil Nadu average not much more than £1 per day; several generations can live in one house.

Sylvia says: "Our work is very demanding with many difficulties, but many rewards. The more work we do, the more needs are uncovered, but definite improvement is seen in the health and wellbeing of the people we serve."

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