Pandemic Update
Thank you
“Just as we are healing the scars of the 1st wave we are faced with yet another crisis impacting the poorest communities so deeply.”
There has been extensive press coverage of the devastating impact that the virus has caused in India. Our first hand accounts from our partners in Tamil Nadu and Kerala give an insight into the anxiety, grief and challenges that each families are going through.
Our social welfare trust partner (RMST) continues to run a Covid-19 Emergency relief response and adapt our existing programmes to mitigate the impact that the virus had on so many communities.
We have distributed parcels amongst 20 communities to vulnerable families and individuals who have been identified by our partners as those most in need.
what is the situation in India?
India has battled two waves of Conronavirus, which had no boundaries, impacting the major cities, the small towns and the rural areas. The omicron strand is present in India now and as a result restrictions are in place.
Schools remain closed until 31st January and many of our programmes are on hold. The national vaccination campaign is in place and now 16-18 children are being vaccinated.
Families are trying to recover from prolonged unemployed due to lockdown, their current financial instability and the emotional issues of dealing with personal tragedy, grief and anxiety.
our response
MEDICAL SERVICES
Our medical centre is still open and we are working with the local Cumbum Government hospital to ensure that Covid patients can receive the care they need and supporting the vaccination role out.
With an increase in demand and for their protection our doctors, nurses and support staff team need more PPE equipment due to the increase in demand of patients and extended opening hours.
RELIEF PARCELS
Providing relief parcels for vulnerable families. Each relief parcel costs £15 and includes sanitisers, masks, gloves, rice, dhal, oil, tea, curry masala, chickpeas, lentils, wheat flour, vegetables and basic hygiene products. Quantities of each item is based on family size but a parcel will be large enough to sustain a family for 2 weeks. Parcels are being distributed within the restriction of lockdown and to families who are vulnerable and most in need.