Ukhrul: An awareness campaign on Covid-19 cum government Covid-19 related schemes and programs in collaboration with the Medical department and Social welfare department Ukhrul organized by AWID (Action For Women In Development) sponsored by Bread For The World (BFTW) was held today at 10:30 AM Friday, at Ngachonmi Fund Primary School, Awungtang, Ukhrul.
AWID an NGO based in Khararphung, Ukhrul under CASA Manipur (Churches Auxiliary for social Action) as a part of their project tied up with the Medical Team and the Social Welfare department held a program encouraging people to get vaccinated and also educate the public on how to avail Covid related Government schemes, the program was attended by 47 people from 5 localities namely: Meizailung, Khararphung, Luiyainaotang, Kasomtang, and Awungtang.
Langhu Anal, CASA state co-ordinator talked about the benefits of getting the vaccine and made an emphasis that it is totally up to an individual’s personal choice if she/ he should get vaccinated and that their only objective is to spread awareness, debunk myths and rumours regarding the vaccine and try their best to save precious lives
Coming to the myths, rumours, and the forwarded Whatsapp messages, this might sound like something out of a movie, but a large percentage of people has turned their back against vaccination because they read an article or received forwarded Whatsapp messages saying that if you get vaccinated, “the mark of the beast” would appear on your forehead and that it is totally against the Bible. Some confessed that they heard rumors saying that vaccinated people would either turn into zombies or die after a year, some heard that the government has put 5G microchips into the vaccine to monitor the people, some people even believed that scientists developed the Covid vaccine as a way to control the population growth.
Dr. Pamza took his time and carefully elaborated how these myths and rumors, no matter how crazy they may sound can convince an elderly or the uneducated “Vaccines and religion, that’s two separate entities, they should not be mixed. They say, getting vaccinated is against the Bible then why are Pastors getting vaccinated?” he asked jokingly. He also added that the people that fall victim to these nonsensical claims are often the elderly and the uneducated.
Also read: Ukhrul water crisis in dry winter; Needs additional water sources to sustain
Talking about the health benefits of being fully vaccinated, he stressed that the only way to fight this pandemic is to get fully vaccinated, he further explained in detail, the working mechanism of the vaccine like how the vaccine produces covid-specific antibodies in your body and how long it takes to produce the Antibodies, etc.
Coming to the risk factors, he assured that the vaccine is very safe, although different individuals may experience different reactions. He explained in layman’s terms about different reactions, their causes, and treatment. He also said that many patients suffering from chronic diseases like Cancer, AIDS, Diabetes, etc. have also taken the vaccine and that there’s also a directive to vaccinate HIV patients.
Athingnao Ruivah, secretary AWID said that the main problem is misinformation and over-complicating things “why do we have so many problems with this vaccine, am sure with the big scar on your shoulders, you all still remember when we were young, we had to take vaccines for smallpox, chickenpox, etc. the vaccines which left us with big ugly scars and burns, but we had no complaints back then, why is it not the same with getting a vaccine for any other diseases like polio vaccines for babies, am sure if we think it through clearly from an educated perspective, we’d know that it’s very much safer getting vaccinated.”
Pabitra, DCPO, Social Welfare Department shared some details about the Covid-related Government schemes, how to avail them, required documents, and the criteria to apply and be eligible for the schemes.
The program featured a very inspiring youth, Amin from Saikul, Kangpokpi volunteering as a partner with CASA to promote vaccination, partnering with many organisations he has worked hard to achieve a high percentage of vaccination in his hometown and many other places as well.
The program was followed by vaccination, Dr. Pamza Luikham and his Medical team conducted the vaccination, 37 people got vaccinated out of the 47, the remaining 10 had completed their vaccination before. Out of the 37, 17 people got vaccinated with the second dose.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Juliet Shaiza, AWID Ukhrul.
AWID will cover 3 more localities, Awontang, Alungtang, and Greenland. The program for which will be held at Awontang Community Hall tomorrow, 13th NOVEMBER 2021 at 10:30 AM.
And 2 Villages, Ngainga and Lanai/ Layirum Village on the 14th NOVEMBER 2021 AT 10:30 AM.
Did you know, Ukhrul district has completed only 25% of vaccination?
About The Author
