Fighting Japanese Encephalitis in Odisha

AID has approved emergency support to enable a group of 10 passionate volunteers who have taken off from their jobs and are working in Malkingiri district, Odisha to control the spread of Japanese Encephalities which has already taken nearly hundred lives.

The team of 10 volunteers has set up a JE coordination centre that is working with the district administration, civil society groups, farmers groups and the villages.  This well-thought of committee has been able to train village youth to do fogging on a war footing to control the spread of mosquitos. They have fogged 250 villages in 2 weeks and reached out to help 70,000 adivasis (indigenous inhabitants).   Once the spread of JE is controlled longer term activities such as proper drainage for water in villages and towns,  also need to be addressed.

AID is happy to collaborate with WASSAN to support this enthusiastic team of volunteers and has released Rs 1,65,000 (about $2500).  Please donate generously to AID’s All India Relief Fund that enables AID to provide such meaningful emergency and longer term support at times of crisis.

Please see the note and pictures that one of the volunteers of the JE center Dinesh Balam sent to Suresh Ediga, volunteer of AID, New Jersey chapter.

Dear Suresh ,

A JE Coordination centre with a team of 10 volunteers was formed to work with Government , Civil Society, Farmer Groups and Students to fight against the JE Epidemic in Malkangiri in October 2nd week. We are very happy to say that we have trained a cadre of 100 para workers on fogging operations , collaborated with NGOs on Awareness building and fever surveillance . Below is summary of achievements of JECC.

Achievements of JE Co ordination Centre 

1. Preparation of Fogging Strategy and IEC material on JE. IEC material developed by JE was accepted and distributed by District Administration for dissemination of information.
2. More than 250 villages in 6 blocks have been fogged in the villages in two weeks, and have reached out to  70000 adivasis. We expect to reach 100000 adivasis in next two weeks.
3. Everyday more than 100 para workers have been trained on operating fogging machines
4. 6 local technicians were trained to repair the machines provide on field services.
5. More than 50 people have identified through fever surveillance team and sent to hospitals for urgent medical care
6. Co ordination meetings were held with SMCs, Sarpanches, PRI members, NGOs, Sangathan, NSS, Red Cross for the increased co ordination.
7. Proving customer care and on call support for JE for the district

We are now able to consistently reach 25-30 villages on a daily basis. Entire Team including para workers have burnt mid night oil for last fortnight to battle JE. State Resource Team has also praised the efforts and said this is one of best JE Management we have seen. All the external representatives are very happy with work of JE Co ordination Unit. It was a great personal experience for me. Special thanks must go to Rajesh (PMRDF) , Ramani , RRA Network , WASSAN OTELP Team and Chumki , Parivarttan for their untiring efforts.

Having said that total deaths have crossed 60 and more than 100 villages have been affected. Fact that we have let this come this far is a matter of great shame. Hoping that those undergoing treatment will recover.

Regards

Dinesh Balam

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(pic JE coordination center)