Support pandemic distressed migrants for food

COMBATING THE PANDEMIC – RESPONSE MECHANISM AND SUPPORT TO VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES

All along the period of this microproject, the entire state of Gujarat, and in particular the city of Ahmedabad was reeling under the widespread pandemic of the Corona Virus. Due to this, the entire state was under lockdown for over two months as a result of which people were grappling with the hapless situation. The sudden complete shutdown of the Nation left millions of underprivileged desperate for food to survive. 

AWAG had been receiving large demands for meeting the requirements for food supplies for more people. But owing to the priority of the situation, we selected relevant villages in Patan, Gujarat because this area being remotely located, the communities here are deprived, vulnerable wherein support and access from other agencies is negligible. 

The response mechanism of AWAG was on two counts: 

1. Provision of Ration Kits and Sanitation Supplies

Due to unavailability of work following the nationwide lockdown, these communities were struggling to feed themselves and their families. It is a well known fact that the poor and marginalized communities are most vulnerable. Women and children faced a higher risk. Their vulnerability was at further stake with the current crisis situation that they were facing. In this hour of need, AWAG’s response was to support the communities by providing them with basic ration kits and sanitation supplies so as to prevent further damage arising from hunger and starvation. 

The kits that were provided contained Rice, Lentils/pulses, Cooking Oil, Jaggery, Tea, Sugar, Soap, Detergent, Sanitary Napkins and Facemasks. 

With the timely support of generous contributions through GlobalGiving, the intervention helped in meeting their immediate food needs and preventing further health issues that could arise from hunger and malnutrition. 

So far, a total of seventy-five families have derived benefit of this project. 

Furthermore, it’s suggestive that the beneficiaries of the project will have lesser vulnerabilities to cope in relation to their nutritional needs. The project will also help in preventing further mortality in these times of the grave epidemic. 

2. Information Dissemination on Covid-19

Information on prevention and handling of Covid-19 along with the entitlement facilities available through the government at such times was disseminated among the   participating communities. Alongside, basic awareness related to maintaining respiratory hygiene and so also that of their surroundings was also touched upon. Strict adherence of wearing facemasks, frequent handwashing and use of sanitizers as well as maintaining social distancing at such times was also conveyed to them.

Considering the intensity of the crises across the globe, AWAG’s work is a drop in the ocean! But we are thankful to all the donors and GlobalGiving for joining us in combating the grave situation.