The Coronavirus causes a flu-like respiratory illness. The virus is contagious and can be transmitted from an infected person through coughing, sneezing, or touching an object. It can be prevented by frequently and properly washing our hands and avoiding face touching. Realizing the epidemic’s potential, we started an awareness campaign in early February 2020. We continued our educational sessions on proper handwashing in different elementary and middle schools in rural areas of Chowk Azam, a town located in the District of Layyah in South Punjab, Pakistan. Aside from handwashing, we distributed brochures educating about COVID-19. The students were educated on common symptoms of this illness and how to protect themselves.
Most of the people in these areas live on daily wages. Within a few weeks, the Coronavirus epidemic started to adversely impact the families in these underserved areas. We decided to financially help these student’s families. We collaborated with a local organization in the area: ‘Clean and Green Layyah’. A target was set to manage a ration pack consisting of all basic ingredients for at least 100 deserving families. Once again, we reached out to our friends and families here in the US. Funds collected were then used to purchase such:
- Sanitation: Soaps, medical masks, and homemade hand sanitizers
- Food supplies: sugar, salt, red chili powder, rice, flour, pulses, cooking oil
Our project on Coronavirus epidemic was recognized in a local newspaper.
Coronavirus Awareness Campaign
Food Pantry: Distribution of Food Supplies
Homemade Hand Sanitizer and Medical Masks
Recognition of Our Coronavirus Campaign in Local Newspaper
