Working Shoulder to Shoulder to Stop COVID-19
When COVID-19 struck, we trained all government functionaries with PSI India’s support on proper handwashing and COVID-19 prevention. We dispelled myths that water alone was enough for cleaning hands and destroying the virus. Our efforts ensured every household understood the importance of these precautions, and the community quickly adopted safe practices.
Vennela adds people in the village had fallen prey to several myths about COVID-19, such as only people in cities would be infected while those living in villages were ‘strong’ and thus would not be affected by the disease, etc. the villagers also thought merely washing their hands with water was enough for clean hands. Realizing the gravity of the problem, Vennela - from April to June, 2021 – ensured blanket coverage of all households in the village through IPC activity; this activity was repeated at least three times in the aforementioned period. This helped clear the myths and misunderstandings that prevailed earlier in people’s minds, especially since the trainings and awareness generation was conducted by both government and PSI India functionaries. Vennela is convinced her approach has helped the community view the pandemic and related prohibitive behaviour from a very positive perspective and adopt the behavioural changes so quickly and readily.
When she organized the trainings, Vennela ensured that key stakeholders
in her village - Village Volunteers, anganwadi teachers, ASHA workers,
ANMs and Sanghamitra – participated and were aware of these trainings.