Emergency Response Support to Vulnerable Groups Affected by COVID19

Figure 8, Sarvodaya Relief Response

Emergency Response Support to Vulnerable Groups Affected by COVID19 and Targeted Risk Communication

Sarvodaya identified the urgent requirements of communities affected by lockdowns and re-aligned its existing project scope in delivering relief to vulnerable groups. Partnered with the British Asian Trust, distribution of relief items along with a risk communication programme has been satisfactorily executed. In terms of risk communication, the project raised awareness through social media, displaying of physical material such as banners and posters, and to help combat fake news and misinformation in the current context. Demarcation of safe distance markers was a secondary task successfully carried out by the project team. Such markers were placed at public locations such as drug stores, groceries, markets, supermarkets, and public transport. The initiative catered to the demands of Colombo, Hambantota, Matale, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Polonnaruwa and Kegalle districts.

Specic activities of the project:

l Distributed cleaning and hygiene packs among identified vulnerable groups (The pack included number of items such as cleaning kits, personal hygiene items, cleaning paraphernalia, diapers, and primary medical care related items).

l Displayed awareness banners in public places on the importance of social distancing to prevent virus transmission. The first component was to display 150 banners in public places on importance of social distancing in preventing the further spread of COVID 19 in all 25 districts (messages were sighted through the

WHO and MOH).