When epidemic or pandemic occur, vulnerable groups such as people affected by diseases, people living with disabilities and marginalised sections of society are usually hit the hardest. The impact threatens to deepen existing vulnerabilities, doubling unemployment, loss of income, food insecurity, malnutrition, barriers to health care and so on. Covid-19 is spreading rapidly, and cases have been reported more than 33.87 lakhs within a single-day high of 77, 266 positive cases. Despite the best efforts by the Government, given the present uncertain circumstances, it is unavoidable that in a diverse country like India, social vulnerabilities and inequalities are bound to erupt alongside the pandemic.

The rapid increase in the number of Covid-19 cases and the measures adopted to contain its spread have put many lives at risk by impacting their food supply, livelihoods, household incomes and their ability to access basic services for food and nutrition while maintaining social distancing and other precaution measures.

Soon after lockdown relaxed, civil society and development organisations in coordination with the local Government intensified their roles by reaching and providing necessary essentials, availing basic rights and entitlements to the most vulnerable sections of the societies while maintaining social distancing and other precaution measures.

Caritas India through its implementing partner Manav Vikas Seva Sangh, Sagar in Madhya Pradesh extended support by providing 650 dry food kits and self-hygiene materials to an equal number of vulnerable families (102 widow and 60 people with disabilities while 488 belongs to vulnerable and aged group) in Sagar and Vidisha area. A total of 500 food packets along with hygiene kits were provided from Smallholder Adaptive Farming and Biodiversity Network (SAFBIN) while 150 food kits were mobilised through the local government.

These 650 most vulnerable people were identified by the local government representatives in coordination with SAFBIN team members. The list was further reviewed to ensure the beneficiaries are the actual needy ones and deprive of basic needs before considered for food and hygiene support. The program has developed few posters and leaflets on Covid-19 symptoms and precaution measures in local language which was distributed along with food kits. SAFBIN team member tool extra efforts to share these posters in all major locations, marketplaces to make people aware and keep them safe by following necessary precaution.

SAFBIN has taken an important step and few more intensive actions inclusive of this much-needed food kits provided to us during our difficult time. “At least I have 20 days of food for my family and children”, says. Sheela Khagar of Beela village, a widow with a disability shared while receiving the support.

Committed to ensuring local food and nutrition needs of the people are adequately met during these unprecedented time, Caritas India making concerted efforts in coordination with her implementing partner organisation Manav Vikas Seva Sangh through SAFBIN programme in all possible way.