Team News Riveting
Raipur, June 16
The Maoist-infested Renganar village is now safe, literally, from contagious disease.
Located about 20 kms from the district headquarters of Dantewada, infamous across the globe for bloody Maoist violence, Renganar had become the first village in the state where every citizen had been vaccinated against corona. About 310 people over the age of 18 live in tribal-dominated Renganar, located on Nakulnar Road, about 20 km from the district headquarter Dantewada.
All the 294 people eligible for vaccination have got the vaccine, understanding the importance of the vaccine in avoiding corona. Local health workers and awareness teams played an important role in making the citizens of the village above 45 years and the youth of 18 to 44 years, aware about the vaccine. With their constant efforts, they managed to convince the villagers that vaccines are the most effective way to avoid corona.
Renganar has set an example in front of the entire state. Every adult member of the village is contributing in defeating Corona through vaccination. Unlike in urban areas, 100 per cent vaccination was not easy due to the limited availability of smart phones and internet. But due to the enthusiasm of the villagers towards vaccination and the continuous efforts of health workers and awareness team, Renganar achieved this goal. Several sessions were organized by the Dantewada district administration in Kuankonda for the villagers in the beginning of vaccination. But due to misconceptions and lack of awareness, fewer people were getting vaccinated. Then the Sarpanch of Renganar, Mrs. Sanmati Telami and the local corona awareness team made people aware and prepared them for vaccination. Understanding the state of mind of the villagers, they knocked door-to-door like a mission and persuaded people to get vaccinated by telling the benefits of vaccination.
Santram, a member of the awareness team of Renganar Panchayat, says that initially there was hesitation among the people regarding the vaccine. After counseling, their fear was overcome and people agreed to get vaccinated. Continuous sessions were held in Kuankonda for vaccination of all. The efforts of the health department paid off and on the very first day 125 youths of Renganar, above 18 years of age enthusiastically got vaccinated. Out of 310 adult population in the village, all 294 persons eligible for vaccination have received the first vaccine against corona. Divyangjan also participated enthusiastically in this campaign. They themselves got vaccinated and inspired others too. When the district level team that arrived in Renganar for inspection and verification of vaccination came to know that some persons suffering from serious diseases were showing their inability to vaccinate, they immediately went door to door, advised them and got them vaccinated.
Corona awareness team has been formed in every panchayat in Dantewada district to make citizens aware about vaccination. This team constantly monitors the corona test and vaccination. Talking to people removes their fear. Due to the activism of awareness teams, Renganar has achieved the target of 100 per cent vaccination of citizens above 45 years and youth of 18 to 44 years.
