One of the key recommendations of the Health programme Evaluation conducted by
an Independent Evaluator in early 2020 is formation of Health Committees in
main villages to enhance awareness and usage of good health practices in
community. The evaluation observed that “Health education and knowledge among
women SHG members has now become the norm and this could be formalized through
the formation of health committees. These health committees could ensure that
communities embrace good health practices and actions are preemptively taken
to address health related challenges in the community. The health committee
members will be drawn from SHGs”.
“They could serve as a first point of contact for their neighbourhood and immediately
contact the health worker. They could be trained in first aid and take action immediately
in case of an accident or emergency before shifting the person to a health facility”.
CRUSADE has formed health committees in 13 villages spread over the four
blocks with the objective of promoting better environment through composting
and solid waste management, encouraging organic vegetable cultivation and
creating awareness on avoiding toxic wastes such as polithene bags and
napkins and to take pro-active measures during epidemics
Health workers and Cluster/Block coordinators of CRUSADE are the conveners who involve the key persons in the community - panchayat functionaries, panchayat level federation (PLF) leaders, village school Headmaster / teacher, anganwadi workers, sanitation workers, village nurse, women SHG and PwDs in special groups. The Health volunteers were equipped with First Aid kits and BP monitors for their effective services in the village and during health camps. The Health Committees play an instrumental role in organizing health camps, screening programs,mobilizing patients for treatment during camps, and participating in relief activities during naturaldisasters.
Solid waste management ; Composting of biodegradable waste: Natham ( Sholavaram block)
Natham panchayat has 4 hamlets with 700 households. Health committee in the panchayat passed a resolution and has undertaken the process of segregating biodegradable waste and non-bio degradable waste from the households with the cooperation of the Panchayat. The Panchayat has compost pits constructed under a government scheme that remained unused for years. The committee decided to put it into use with a thatched roof covering 5 of the 9 pits(see photo).
CRUSADE put up the thatch cover and provided covered dustbins for 50 households residing in the neighborhood to segregate biodegradable waste individually which is collected by the sanitation workers of the panchayat weekly one day (on all Mondays) and transported to the pits for natural composting with cow dung and soil. This has taken off and is being monitored..
Sanitary unit for SHG Building: New Erumaivetti Palayam (Sholavaram block)
New Erumaivetti Palayam SC hamlet has 3 women SHG groups (40 members) functioning since 2005, one special group with 11 PwDs and one elderly women group with 20 members. The SHG building is located at the entrance of the village where Homoeopathic camps, skill training, monthly meetings of groups and government activities are held regularly in the SHG building. The Health committee proposed to construct a sanitary unit attached to the SHG building for the use of women who come for the meetings.
With the equal contribution of PLF ( Panchayat Level Federation ) and from CRUSADE solidarity fund the unit was constructed and water facility was done by CRUSADE.
Installation of Napkin Incinerator- Athivakkam (Ellapuram block)
The Government High school in Athivakkam village 89 adolescent girls are studying in 6-10th grade. The girls hail from four Panchayats. The girls face great difficulty in disposing of the used napkins at the school as there are no proper arrangements for disposal. The girls were given a separate area where the napkins had to be burnt manually by the girls which posed health issues and the risk of fire accident. Health committee requested for installing a napkin incinerator in the school to address the problem.
CRUSADE arranged a napkin incinerator (see photo) and the girls were explained the steps in disposing of the napkins and advised to follow safety measures while disposing. The Headmaster and the staff were highly thankful to CRUSADE for this arrangement that will greatly benefit the girl students in promoting health and hygiene.
Distribution of Homeopathic First Aid Box – Inamagaram ( Sholavaram block )
The Government High school in Inamagaram village has 80 students studying from 6 to 10th grade, both boys and girls. At the request of the Head master who is a strong believer in Homoeopathic system of medicine a first aid box containing Homoeopathic antiseptic tincture, ointments, sprays, cotton, scissor, bandage were given to the school.
HC articulate solving sanitation problem in Inamagaram Village
Absence of proper waste water drainage system led to the breeding of mosquitoes, resulting in outbreaks of fevers, diarrhea, and other health issues, especially during rainy season.
Determined to effect change the situation Health Committee sprang into action and conducted thorough inspections of the overhead water tanks, identified areas of concern, and raised awareness among villagers about the importance environmental sanitation. Moreover, they advocated for the construction of a waste water drainage system to mitigate health hazards posed by stagnant water.The committee members presented the issue to the Panchayat President and ward members. Their persistence paid off with assurances and construction works commenced promptly in March. The ongoing construction of the drainage system brings hope and relief to the community, promising a healthier and safer environment.
Through educational initiatives, they have also motivated residents to shun plastic usage and maintain clean surroundings.
HC of NewErumaiVettiPalayam tackles Dengue outbreak in the village
In March 2024, a shadow of worry descended upon New ErumaiVettiPalayam as Dengue fever gripped the village. Seven of the villagers were identified as having dengue, leaving residents in distress.
What could have been a dire situation turned into a tale of resilience and proactive intervention, by the collaborative efforts of the health committee, the health department with the support of CRUSADE.
The health committee wasted no time in springing into action, advising affected seven individuals to seek medical assistance promptly. Their swift response ensured that those afflicted received the necessary care, preventing the outbreak from spiralling out of control. The health committee brought this to the notice of the panchayat president, who escalated the issue with health department. Health officials conducted inspections and identified breeding grounds for mosquito larvae in stagnant water and rainwater stored in open drums in some households.
Health department personnel initiated sanitation efforts by disinfecting breeding sites with bleaching powder and conducted awareness campaigns to educate villagers about the importance of maintaining clean surroundings to prevent Dengue.
CRUSADE also distributed homoeopathy preventive medicines to 76 families. The villagers, already familiar with homeopathy through previous engagements with CRUSADE's mobile camps, accepted the preventive medicines. The results were nothing short of a miracle. Not a single new case of Dengue was reported after the distribution of preventive medicine. The seven affected individuals, under the guidance of the health worker and the health committee, diligently adhered to their medication regimen and embraced healthy dietary practices.
