Clean-Up Foundation conducts health & COVID 19 vaccination awareness campaign for city’s rag-pickers

by Suman Gupta

Mumbai, March 13, 2021: Continuing its work to help the rag-pickers of Mumbai, Clean-Up Foundation conducted an awareness campaign on improving health and hygiene of the city’s rag-pickers along with creating awareness about the COVID 19 vaccination. The initiative was part of the National Safety Week 2021 drive and was conducted in association with Aasra Welfare Association at ‘H’ West ward of MCGM. The team of Clean-Up Foundation along with a few independent practicing doctors participated in this novel initiative.

During this event, Dr. Jitendra Patil, MBBS and Occupational Health Specialist highlighted the hazards, risks and control measures for health and personal hygiene management. He also shared the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and how safe it is to get oneself vaccinated. A skit was also organized in association with Yuvak Pratisthan, an NGO focusing on behavioural change among rag pickers. Clean Up Foundation distributed 3 ply cloth masks to all the Safai Sathis at the event. All workers were made aware of the importance of mandatory personal protective gear and proper hygiene during their job.

Commenting on this initiative, Sanjana Runwal, Co-Founder of Clean-Up Foundation said, “It is our endeavour to provide the rag pickers with the kind of support that is not easily available to them. That’s why we conducted a session on mental health some time back to help this segment deal with the anxiety and concerns that develop with the backdrop of the pandemic. Now, with the vaccination having commenced, again there are a lot of doubts, concerns and general lack of information about its impact on one’s health. This event was planned with the clear objective of providing valuable insights to the rag pickers about the whole process and the associated health benefits.”

Sanjana’s aim is to improve the living conditions of those who keep our city clean – the garbage cleaners and rag pickers. In the past CleanUp has donated numerous water purifiers to different ward offices of BMC, which have helped hundreds of garbage cleaners get access to clean drinking water. It has also provided financial assistance for the education of rag pickers’ children. In addition, CleanUp Foundation donated raincoats and gumboots to the rag pickers before the monsoons.Medical insurance was also provided to them. Clean Up Foundation firmly believes that it is imperative to help these unsung heroes of our society and shall continue its efforts in this direction.