The Covid-19 outbreak has by now emerged as an unprecedented and massive global health and humanitarian crisis. The poorest and the most marginalized are the most affected, and will be disproportionately disadvantaged as this crisis continues.
This section lists some key points that can guide the planning and implementation work of local bodies, government and Civil Society Organizations specifically for Covid-19 response.
Our existing healthcare delivery system is not fully equipped to handle a pandemic like situation where there might be a sudden spike of morbidity among people. This may lead to utter chaos and breakdown of the healthcare delivery system. Key Issues are:
There is an immediate need to strengthen the health system of the targeted areas with special focus on preventive healthcare. Morbidity and mortality rate due to COVID 19 pandemic can be minimised many fold through structured and systematic messaging and awareness for the common public, especially hard to reach and vulnerable populations. Below are the set of activities which need to be taken up on an urgent basis.
7.2.1.1 Create & Curate Authentic Information
Priority: Immediate
During pandemic situations, villages at large face a lot of difficult situations which make it difficult for the community in general and vulnerable families in particular. The key issues are:
Millions of homeless people in urban areas and those living in informal settlements across India are at heightened risk of infection due to their dire living conditions. The high density of the settlements, unventilated rooms and lack of basic and hygienic facilities will worsen the situation for urban poor. Lack of work during the lockdown period and also the fact that almost all of the workers from these slums are informal, casual workers is going to impact their daily lives and create more distress.
Key Issues:
Due to lockdown a large number of migrant workers (mostly daily wage earners) are stuck in cities with little food and money. They are in very vulnerable situations. The following critical measures need to be undertaken to reduce their vulnerability and keep them safe.
7.1.4.1 Food and Non-Food support to migrant families
Priority: Immediate
Please refer to Appendix B1 & B2 for further details.
Areas where Civil Society Organizations can help:
A large number of migrant labourers are stuck enroute to their villages/ hometowns due to the lockdown at places away from their destination. This is resulting in a humanitarian crisis as well as a huge chance of infection spreading if not handled properly which will further aggravate the country’s situation under this pandemic. The following critical measures must be undertaken immediately to handle this unprecedented situation.
7.1.3.1 Crisis & Help Centers - Share Location Information
Priority: Immediate
As the result of the lockdown and loss of jobs in different urban pockets of India, a larger number of migrant workers who are mostly daily wage earners have already returned to their respective villages.
The following are some key issues they face:
