A 28 years old community health worker, Laxmi Mohanta puts her best efforts in preventing the spread of Corona in the tribal village of Taramara in Thakurmunda block, the operational area of CYSD in Mayurbhanj District of Odisha.  Taramara being her own village, she has been gathering detailed information about people who are home quarantined in the village and others who could be vulnerable to this deadly virus.

The villagers say, Laxmi stands as a pillar of strength and great support for 38 socio-economically poor and distressed families of the village by supplying food kits and medicines to them”. During this pandemic, she has been continuously conducting awareness programmes, educating people especially the mothers and youth group members in the community on social (physical) distancing, washing of hands with soap frequently and wearing of face mask while stepping out.  Besides, she is also engaged in distribution of ration for three months to the poor and distressed families, facilitation of community kitchen & quarantine centres and tracking of migrant returnees with the active support and guidance of Block Administration and the Gram Panchayat.

Laxmi reflects, CYSD has inspired and empowered her with appropriate knowledge, skills and attitude through imparting series of training programs, which is now helping her to deliver services as an active frontline soldier in the face of global pandemic outbreak. As a community health worker (ASHA), she follows a string of demanding jobs by addressing the comprehensive health care needs of 202 families with population strength of 1058 in the village. The incidence of child and maternal death in her village has been notably reduced to zero. She has significantly brought improvement in health situation of children, mothers, and adolescent girls through intensive door-to-door awareness drive.

To her credit, Laxmi has been recognised by the District Administration as the best ASHA worker. Besides, for her health service knowledge she was awarded with a trophy and cash prize of Rs.2000/- at State level Quiz Competitions organised jointly by the All India Radio, Cuttack and the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Odisha.

“I convey my sincere gratitude to CYSD for building my capacity in terms of skills and knowledge required to facilitate the healthcare services, like adolescent health care, social education, child health care, pregnancy care, administering safe delivery, care of lactating mother, growth monitoring, public health counselling, etc. I am now able to perform my duties in a desirable and impactful manner ensuring safety and security of the people of my village”, says Laxmi proudly.

The deed of Laxmi indeed inspires other health workers in the locality to become silent warriors during this Covid-19 pandemic and go a long way in serving the community.