New Project: Infectious Diseases

Introducing a new project, Infectious Diseases works with its holistic health centric approach in the K east ward of Mumbai district. The project aims to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases i.e. Leprosy, HIV, TB, Malaria & Dengue in the 5 project areas of Mumbai Smiles i.e. Marol, Sangharshnagar, Powai, Kanjurmarg & Vikhroli.

The general objective of the project is improved health care and health protection with regard to infectious diseases; through community intervention, strengthening early disease detection and response, establish outreach clinics in the community and develop a referral chain with local government and private health bodies for the treatment. This approach allows an impact globally through achieving the MDG 6 on combating infectious diseases.

Initiatives Undertaken

Outreach Medical Clinics

 

In the quest of reaching out to people with medical needs, Mumbai Smiles has started two outreach clinics in partnership with Holy Spirit hospital at Balwadis at Marol Pipeline and Takpada. By starting these clinics in the community we have taken the first vital step of linking community with health care facilities at their doorstep. This clinic runs on every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. A nominal fee is charged to patients and they are given medicines. Patients are linked to health facilities both private & public in case of any need. This is just a beginning to achieving bigger goal of sustaining a healthy life.

Altogether, 166 patients have availed the benefit of this outreach clinic.

Health Camps with BMC

Mumbai Smiles along with BMC participated in three Mega Health Camps in Marol & Powai area wherein around 2000 people attended. We mobilized the community by carrying out awareness activities by spreading the word about ‘Mega Health Camp’ and general awareness on Dengue, Malaria & other rainy diseases through miking. We also screened short IEC films developed by BMC on Malaria, Dengue & TB during these Health Camps. Five ‘Street Plays’ were conducted on Dengue & Malaria awareness during Health Camp & Ganapati Mandals in Marol & Powai.