On account of World Health Day on April 7, Wockhardt Foundation organised a social ‘health and sanitation’ awareness camp on vector-borne diseases at Sindhi Camp, RCF Chembur, Mumbai to reduce incidences of vector-borne diseases among the slums in Mumbai in line with WHO’s theme.

Wockhardt Foundation is a national, secular, non-profit organization engaged in human welfare and social service activities.  About 400 people from the RCF slums benefited from the camp led by Dr. Akshay Chhallani , senior general physician, Wockhardt Hospitals. The occasion was graced by Joi Barua, lead vocalist of the band ‘Joi’ and the National Film award winner movie ‘Dev D’.

Mumbai slums are a hotbed for vector-borne diseases such as Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya. Almost every fourth house in Mumbai slums has a family member who suffers from some vector-borne diseases. Morbidity and Mortality in urban slums due to vector-borne diseases, infections and inferior sanitary conditions is quite common. According to a study, water borne morbidity in Mumbai slums was 24 per cent.  

In this light, Dr. Huz (Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala), Trustee and chief executive officer, Wockhardt Foundation said “Wockhardt Foundation has been committed to improving the health and sanitation situation among the slums in Mumbai. Some of the key related initiatives by Wockhardt Foundation are Mobile 1000 Programme for providing primary healthcare services to the poor, Dr. Health Programme for awareness on health, illness and cleanliness, Shudhu for free distribution of water purification tablets and Bio-Toilets for complete waste management solution.

Dr. Akshay Chhallani , senior general physician, Wockhardt Hospitals said “Practicing proper health, hygiene and sanitation is mandatory to prevent infections and vector-borne diseases. Incidences of Malaria, dengue and chikungunya are due to unhygienic surroundings and consumption of impure water. Open defecation causes various health hazardous. Maintaining sanitation around toilets is critical to prevent breeding of mosquitoes responsible for causing vector-borne diseases. Water is the breeding place for vectors such as dengue, malaria mosquitoes. Consumption of impure water leads to infections and morbid conditions. It is therefore important to consume pure drinking water.”

Shreyata Sohni, Water Purification Expert from Wockhardt Foundation demonstrated the use of Shudhu tablets for water purification and better sanitation. More than 200 Shudhu strips (1 strip per person) were distributed free of cost among the slum families. A group of youngsters from the ‘Yash Theatre Group’, Ghatkopar performed a street play for slum dwellers on ‘Health and Sanitation measures to prevent vector-borne diseases’. Marathi and Hindi pamphlets on vector-borne disease awareness and Shudhu water purification instructions were distributed.