The design of the ASHA concept is based on participatory field studies of healthcare workers in rural India. ASHAs, or accredited social health activists, are instituted by the India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as part of the National Rural Health Mission. They measure and monitor babies' vital signs, such as weight, height and temperature, during home visits. The ASHA concept, designed by students at the Umeå Institute of Design in Sweden, includes a low-maintenance solar-powered digital weight scale with a built-in no-touch infrared thermometer and a personal weighing blanket. Measurements are documented directly on the blanket. ASHA aims to reduce the child mortality rate and honor ASHAs in their crucial task of providing infant care.