In a tete-a-tete with The Pioneer, UNICEF Chief Field Officer of Jharkhand Prasanta Dash talks about the organization's involvement across the State during the pandemic and also the precautions that need to be taken once the lockdown is over.
What role does UNICEF Jharkhand play with the State government in the fight against Corona?
UNICEF is supporting the state government in assessing its preparedness for the treatment of Coronavirus cases. It is supporting the state in the roll out of training program for frontline workers which focus on identifying correct cases and contacts, how to protect themselves and the community and mitigating stigma. We are working to bring together all NGOs and CSOs in the state and providing them with the correct set of guidelines and information so that they can support the government in creating awareness and mobilization.
UNICEF is also supporting the COVID-19 response by working towards public awareness including digital platforms, messages on preventing infections, countering misinformation and social stigma.
Do you think the State is prepared to deal with positive cases of COVID-19?
The state has prepared itself in time to deal with potential cases. Efforts are being made to ensure availability of ration, medicines and other essential supplies. Setting up of round-the-clock control room is a good initiative. Isolation plans are good at gram panchayat level and implementation should be followed up. With a lockdown already in place, it is my hope that we will see this challenge through.
How vulnerable are our labourers, children, health workers and villagers who know little about the gravity of the situation?
Accurate information vetted by the MoHFW and agencies such as WHO and UNICEF is being widely circulated in the public domain through the print and electronic media, the internet and other modes of communication from large cities to smaller towns and villages.
We are all vulnerable to Coronavirus, which is why every single one of us must play a part in preventing the spread of the infection.
Apart from social distancing, any other preventive measures that people need to keep in mind?
Washing your hands frequently including every time you enter your house or office, after shaking hands with other people, after you cough or sneeze and also before you eat – using soap and running water for 20-30 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand rub. Cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow, tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing and dispose of used tissue immediately.
One must avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and substitute handshakes with other greetings such as Namaste. Close contact with anyone with cold or flu like symptoms must be avoided.
One must also seek medical care early if you or your child has a fever, cough or difficulty in breathing.
What precautions need to be taken once the lockdown is over?
Lifting of lockdown does not mean that India is free of COVID-19. If all cases are not detected and isolated during lockdown, these cases can again start the transmission. All citizens should therefore report themselves to the health authorities if they have symptoms so that they can protect their families and communities. I would also like to point out that improved personal hygiene habits are useful not only in the case of this pandemic but they also have life-long benefits to the health of individuals. Continuing with them regardless of a lockdown will contribute towards a healthier society.
