Caritas India aiding health & social workers with medical equipment’s to fight Nipah virus

Lini, working in Perambra Taluk Hospital as a nurse died after possibly getting exposed to the deadly virus while attending to Nipah virus-infected patient in Kozhikode. The infection is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans. In Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, 16 deaths were recorded.

Even though the authorities have declared the outbreak under control, still people are frightened to even visit the deceased. People were afraid and were not visiting hospitals in their emergency situations. Local health workers, social workers, drivers etc. were fearful but they were still rendering their service to the needy.

Necessary precautions need to be taken to prevent Nipha virus attack on the patients, bystanders and service providers at hospitals with special emergency precautions.

Centre for Overall Development (COD) along with Caritas provided necessary preventive medical equipment to health workers and social workers at different parts of Kozhikode districts. With the instruction of the Diocese of Thamarassery, its social work wing COD implemented the program with the support of Caritas India.  Prevention equipment like N95 masks, three-layer masks, and gloves were distributed to patients, their bystanders, grass root level health workers and social workers.

The official distribution was done at Kozhikode Medical College by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Dr. Abraham Kavilpurayidathil and extended diocesan support to the Nipha treatment and prevention efforts of the health professionals and committed people. The equipment was handed over to the Medical College Principal Dr. V.R. Rajendran, Superintendent, Dr. Sajith Kumar, Director Board Member, Mr. Joy Valavil.  COD Director Fr. Joseph Mukaleparambil, Asst. Director Fr. Bijo Chembarathikal, COD coordinator Fr. Sudeep Kizhakkarakkattu, Ashakiranam Coordinator Sr. Rose Michael attended the meeting at Kozhikode Medical college.

COD also conducted Nipha virus awareness classes in nearly twenty places in its operational area with the support of self-help groups. People were also given awareness on clean environment, plastic-free surrounding, safe drinking water sources etc. to prevent various monsoon-related diseases with the aim of removing panic situation raised due to the Nipah virus deaths.  Kozhikode District Collector Mr. U.V. Jose expressed his gratitude to Caritas India and the Diocese of Thamarassery for their timely intervention.