As the second wave of Covid 19 unfurls, our Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Nilambur, Kerala is working closely with the local government and panchayath to address gaps that may put indigenous communities at risk. CHWs are utilizing the statewide campaigns that are implemented by the Kerala government to keep the indigenous communities informed about the new strain and the availability of vaccination so they can make an informed decision.
Over regular interactions, CHWs are realizing that there is a general sense of hesitance to come forward and take the test. Some are even excluding themselves from partaking in the general medical screening in fear of being ostracized from their community. This complicates things for the health department and Kudumbasree mission – who are vested with the responsibility to implement, overlook and provide necessary health services to communities across Kerala.
In April, CHWs were directly approaching every household in our working villages to change people’s perceptions and inform them about the need to get themselves tested. Additionally, they are also imparting details regarding the vaccine and how one can get vaccinated.
In collaboration with Karulai Grama Panchayath and the local primary health care centre – a health camp was organised at Nedunkayam Village. Around 250 people underwent a test for Covid. In the last week of April, a vaccination camp was also organised in which the elders above 45 years of age had the opportunity to get vaccinated. Our staff and CHWs took the responsibility to mobilize the community to partake in these campaigns.
Meanwhile, our team is also working towards organising a vaccination campaign in Chaliyar gram panchayat, which is specially initiated for indigenous people of the region. Here vaccination will be available for people above 18 and is planned to be implemented in May 2021.
By Ramachandran KG
