Corona Hatao
This is your slogan to fight Covid 19. As reported today in the news, there have been over 40,000 new cases of Covid 19, the highest in a single day and reported fatalities of 188 people in 24 hours.
I thank all the District Leaders and members of the Rotary India’s Covid Vaccination Task Force who attended the important meeting on March 15, 2021 and pledged support to take the vaccination drive forward and create a goodwill for Rotary among the public.
Schools are again being closed, office attendance has been curtailed in many places and the rising trajectory of daily new cases is visible in eight States. Experts say that the next wave is imminent and we in Rotary have to set the example and resist the temptation to hold celebrations of any nature in clubs which can result in case clusters in your area.
I read that RC Madras in District 3232 has signed an MOU with the Government of Tamil Nadu for supply of two 14-foot refrigerated vaccine trucks, two 8-foot refrigerated vaccine trucks, 10 ice-lined refrigerators and 1,000 vaccine carriers. The Government has also agreed to take steps to empanel government approved hospitals and medical centres run by Rotary Clubs and Rotarians to augment the vaccination drive. Such measures can be taken in other districts also, so that the visibility of Rotary as a service organisation is seen by the public who come for vaccination.
Only 3.2 percent of the adult population in India has been vaccinated according to an article written by an eminent Professor of Epidemiology, Indian Institute of Public Health, Bangalore. Mobilising people can also be done by the accredited social health activists (ASHAs) in rural areas by Rotary Clubs.
Mentoring of each step of the vaccination process in rural areas and in semi-urban regions by the Rotary clubs is needed. By working with the local authorities and other nodal agencies of the Government, Rotary Clubs must assist in ensuring that all inter-sectoral co-ordination is done and that the necessary logistical and transport supplies are provided.
This is a gigantic task and can build a great image for Rotary and this is not something we cannot do. The country is making progress in its vaccination efforts but there are still many areas where Rotary can help and we should.
I know for certain that your leadership in your District will certainly motivate the Rotary Clubs to support the Government in its fight against COVID-19. The Zonal Coordinator assigned to your District will always be there to assist you in making program more effective . Please make use of his services and help the Government in achieving its goal of Vaccinating all the countrymen.