Global Affairs Canada and SOPAR Support COVID Emergency Response Activities In 1000 Villages Of The Telugu States
Even if the number of vaccinated individuals is significantly high since the pandemic began, the coronavirus infections are surging and the threat of new variants of the novel coronavirus is still very much real. Considering this and to support the needs of the public health care system at this time of crisis, Bala Vikasa, with the support of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and SOPAR launched an Emergency Response project to implement COVID relief activities worth Rs 3 Crore in 1000 villages of the Telugu States.
As part of this project, Bala Vikasa launched a dedicated ‘COVID Helpline’ to provide medical consultations, psychological counseling and oxygen concentrators to rural communities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Under the project, Bala Vikasa is distributing Two-Tap Stainless Steel Handwash units, Automatic Sanitizer Dispensers, Infrared Thermometers and other essentials in government schools to encourage students to follow COVID appropriate behaviours while attending school amidst the pandemic. Apart from this, a COVID Medical Kit consisting of a Thermometer, Pulse Oximeter, Sanitizers and Masks are being made available in the 1000 villages for Community Usage. Also, rural poor COVID patients identified in the villages will be provided with grocery kits to support their families. With an objective to create awareness, guide and keep the rural communities informed about the latest developments of the pandemic, Bala Vikasa will be creating a series of IEC materials about COVID stress management, vaccination, post-COVID Care and other related aspects for these communities.
Launching the project, Bala T. Singareddy Gingras, Founder of Bala Vikasa said “We have been at the forefront of helping rural communities during the first and second wave of COVID-19. Though the situation is considerably better now, we wish to work towards keeping the rural communities prepared for any situation concerning COVID and provide better medical facilities to them within their reach and help them survive the pandemic.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shoury Reddy Singareddy, Executive Director, Bala Vikasa mentioned that Bala Vikasa will continue to take up necessary relief activities as per requirements like providing post-COVID care, helping children cope with the digital shift and other COVID-affected aspects. He also expressed his gratitude to GAC and SOPAR for trusting in Bala Vikasa's endeavors to help rural, marginalized communities survive the pandemic.
Bala Vikasa's women program coordinators under the leadership of Latha Dodda, Manager, Women Integrated Development program is implementing the project at the community level.
Bala Vikasa COVID Helpline: 89775 11775
