The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has unpredictably spread with the new transformed feathers in the country, giving unexpected surge of positive cases. The pandemic this time is quite extensive, reaching to the rural and tribal areas.  In Odisha, the alarming spike has reached more than 12,000 a day.

Learning from last year’s experience, CYSD has geared up its response in extending all possible support towards minimizing the impact of this deadly virus. With a strong presence in the rural-tribal areas, CYSD through its large Community Based Organizations (CBO) network, dedicated Community Resource Persons (CRPs), Warriors of SGBV (Sexually Gender Based Violence), Grassroots Volunteers, Gram Sathinis and Youth Leaders to assess the likely impact, especially on vulnerable sections. This could help the organisation measure the deficits in existing local level healthcare facilities / systems; and extend its support in the form of life saving equipment/s required for emergency medical care. In last week (3rd June), CYSD has organised a block level orientation programme on “Use of Oximeter and Digital Thermometer” for frontline workers, especially ANM & Asha workers from 18 GPs of Thakurmunda block, Mayurbhanj district. A total of 26 ANMs, 12 Ashas, 15 health staffs, 4 staff from CHCs participated in the orientation programme. The programme focussed on the importance of early identification of positive cases, referral to COVID Care hospitals and mass mobilisation for taking vaccination through conducting door to door survey.

Joining the orientation programme, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Thakurmunda Shri Shyamasundar Tudu appreciated the dedicated work of ANMs and Asha workers during the pandemic and motivated them to keep their spirits up. The Block Medical Officer and Programme Manager led the technical session for door to door survey.

As part of motivational process, the participants learned the technique as to how to mobilise the disagreed population with the support of PRI representatives. Technical support in terms of use of Oximeter and Digital Thermometer was extended by CYSD team. Required hygiene kits (for self-protection), oximeter & digital thermometer supported by CYSD were handed over to all ANMs & Asha workers by the BDO for use while dealing with community people and undertaking survey work.

Expressing his deep sense of gratitude, the BDO openly shared that CYSD is the only organisation which has joined hands with the Thakurmunda Block Administration for several years in multiple developmental initiatives including addressing emergencies like the current biological disaster.