A CRY for Cleanliness- Health Camp Organized at East Delhi PAG

For CRY, the health of children has always been a major focus, and this year, they planned on documenting what all issues the children of the East Delhi PAG faced.

Over the past few months, the CRY volunteer team in the East Delhi PAG had already been working intensively on increasing health awareness- from developing a questionnaire on personal hygiene and open defecation, to their visits to local PHC (primary health centers), Government hospitals, etc.- the team had been very active.

On 5^th May, 2018, a day before the World Health Organization’s Hand Hygiene Day, CRY organized a Health Care drive at the East Delhi PAG, in Ghaziabad.

Continuing since the World Health Day, this project focused on teaching children the importance of health care and personal hygiene. Managed by Himanshi, a CRY intern and her team of co-interns, the drive began early morning with six doctors present at the location. The event kicked off with the children interacting with the doctors alongside the CRY team. An interactive and learning based environment was provided to the children to ensure that they understand the importance of personal hygiene and the benefits of the same.

Initially, it was difficult to convince the parents about the event as they were apprehensive about sending their children in a healthcare camp. However, seeing the doctors from Asian Medical Student Association, the parents and their children turned up in good numbers and the health care camp went on till noon.

The social and medical factors together showed the various difficulties present at every level in the area. However, the camp ended on a positive note with the CRY team recognizing the challenges that the children face on the daily. Even the doctors pointed out the courage that this step involved. As mentioned by Dr. Sonali Jain “Despite the hardships faced by these children, one thing remains constant, the brightness in their eyes when they smile. Unfortunately, taking care of their health takes a back seat in their lives but I am hopeful that some advice imparted in this camp sticks with them and they are able to avoid getting sick, since prevention is the best cure. ”

To solve any social, health or welfare issues, the first step is to identify the problem and then develop a solution around it. After the success of this event, the team feels doubly motivated to provide complete support needed to ensure that health and hygiene is celebrated daily and is made an integral part of the children’s lives.

- Vatsal Chandra

UCD India Recruitment & Admission Coordinator

CRY Volunteer

(Content courtesy by Abhinav Parashar, Lead CRY East Delhi PAG)