The global Coronavirus pandemic has tested the collective resilience of the world. No one can turn a blind eye to the transformation of the world order, which has damaged the world economy and the daily life of all. Working in silos cannot help combat this scenario; the fight against the pandemic needs the joining of many hands.
Role Of NGOs In Fighting The Covid-19
For many years, Non- Governmental Organizations or NGOs in India have been actively involved in fighting challenges facing the community like human rights, social justice, child protection, women empowerment, poverty, health, education, and the environment.
NGO’s have always worked along with the government for social and economic issues. They have worked for the progress of weak social groups and disadvantaged communities like the tribal, rural poor, children, women, refugees, etc. They are in touch with the grassroots issues plaguing the nation, even with limited resources.
Hence, when the pandemic hit India, NGO’s because of their deep connection for dealing with socio-economic issues, has become a natural partner to the government in the fight against the pandemic. The government reached out to NGO’s being aware of the fact that the latter had a stronger pulse on grassroots issues and were most closely engaged with the community.
Almost instantaneously, thousands of NGOs working with district administrations all through the country tried to declare an all-out war against the pandemic. Ever since NGOs have been working persistently on the ground and have offered critical services to the most vulnerable groups in society.
By realizing the gravity of the situation, early on, they were the first groups to re-configure on their own and push for new initiatives to offer medical facilities all across the nation. They took up initiatives to design fundraising for a national emergency, joined hands with each other to direct donations, and offered help in nursing homes and other facilities via medical teams and technical support.
OFFERING BASIC AMENITIES
NGOs have been the only support during the pandemic for marginalized persons like the urban poor, migrant workers, workers of daily wages, the homeless, transgender, the disabled, the aged, women, and children . which increased the Role Of NGOs In Fighting The Covid-19 in our and many other countries.
The lockdown implemented to fight the Coronavirus has led to an economic crisis over and above a public health emergency. This pandemic disrupted the livelihood of many persons and rendered them in dire straits in which they could no longer afford 3 meals a day or essential items of hygiene like soaps, sanitizers, and masks.
While the pandemic has rolled on in a domino impact, NGOs have realized that much more needs to be done to fight the virus and its impact on the community and the economy. They have worked on the frontlines in every region, offering hygiene kits, food and ration to the poor and the needy.
ENHANCING AWARENESS
Though urban populations were informed fast about Covid-19 restrictions and measures of prevention, such information was much limited in rural areas. NGO’s have strived to fill this gap quickly and formed distribution and communication channels all across the hinterlands of the country. They have also been implementing a vital task of spreading information about the Coronavirus and its spread, as well as the need for hygiene and social distancing.
Since NGOs are reputed and trusted by the communities in which they work, they have persevered in removing the stigma of the virus by distributing containers of water for constant washing, offering shelter, and launching community kitchens for the needy.
In sum, NGOs in India are playing a valuable role in helping the community, especially its marginalized groups, to wage war against the Coronavirus pandemic.