Call For Strategic Effort To Build Healthy Communities Post-COVID-19

Bhubaneswar: Building healthy communities in post-COVID-19 pandemic scenario needs a strategic and collective efforts, said speakers at the 9th edition of Ideate of Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF).

The virtual event was organised in partnership with FICCI-Aditya Birla CSR Centre for Excellence on November 10, made live from New Delhi. The subject of deliberation was “Building Resilient Communities – Adopting to post Pandemic Challenges”.  

Opening the deliberation, Shaifalika Panda, CEO, BIPF said, “Building a resilient and healthy workforce cannot be done by individual segments of society. It calls for a cohesive strategy and collective effort. It is time to converge with likeminded partners and pool our resources across sectors.” 

Pearl Tiwari, President (CSR & Sustainability), Ambuja Cements Limited shared how their “people institutions” comprising community volunteers have brought about ownership by beneficiaries, leading to success of responsible behaviour in tackling COVID-19 in the rural areas. She also emphasised leveraging the technology through which they have been able to reach out to their field officers and frontline workers to attend to the health priorities of pregnant women as well as counselling over mental health and anxiety issues. 

Dr. Pragati Singh, National Professional Officer, WHO India Country Office, spoke on how they are working closely with Ministry of Health to strengthen, monitor and evaluate the public health system. She said there is a need to trigger health investments, infrastructure is essential and maximise use of technology (telemedicine, artificial intelligence, internet solutions).

Shouvik Mitra, Consultant, World Bank; Ajeet Singh Chahal, Commercial Unit Lead – Central and Community Lead for Smallholder Initiatives, Bayer Crop Science Limited and Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa, president, Akshaya Patra Foundation also participated in the discussion.