AIDI organized a rally to raise public awareness regarding health on 15th August 2014. As we celebrate the 68th year of our nation’s independence, there is a realization that we are still not free of epidemics and disease.
The latest alarm caused by the Ebola virus has already led several nations to issue alerts and the virus has been the cause of death in 1013 cases. The rally organized by AIDI is motivated by the need to advocate and raise awareness among people regarding better health habits, precautions and the importance of cleanliness. The program was held in Sector 10, NOIDA, where the prevailing unhygienic conditions make the community extremely vulnerable to the spread of diseases.
Dr. Meghaa Bhargava, MBBS at Lady Harding Medical College, New Delhi points the need for such initiatives, “An important step toward a clean and healthy India is to educate each individual about the importance of personal hygiene, and the best time to implant the idea is childhood. Simple precautions can prevent diseases like diarrhea, pneumonia, skin infections and even the Ebola Virus Disease which has recently caused an international public health emergency”.
Mr. Shibu Cheruvelil, Founder and Executive Director of AIDI, believes that this is the first step to a better and healthier society; “In light of the current health situation and prevalent poverty, it is essential for the civic society to join hands with the various government agencies. Active public participation coupled with sound policies is the only way we can fight for the right to good health and a life of dignity”.
Mr. Baby M.A, a Trustee of AIDI, said, “Educating the children about healthy habits and importance of hygiene is the best way to bring about change. The children are highly motivated and as they are the future, we must provide them with the tools to ensure a bright future for generations to come.
200 children participated in the rally, which took place at Sector 10, NOIDA between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on 15th August 2014.
