12/06/2021
Friends of ECTA and HIMserve,
This has been a year of both unfathomable challenges and incredible impact for our projects in the Himalayas. The emergence of the Delta variant this spring closed HIMserve’s offices in India for weeks on end. Despite this, our partners found incredible ways to keep working and serving the communities of North Bengal in a time of extreme crisis. Let’s jump into the details of what we were able to accomplish together:
5 Rural Ambulances:
At the beginning of the pandemic, we were not allowed by the government to use our ambulances to transport COVID positive patients, due to fears of transmission. As the surge intensified, HIMserve was eventually called on to support rural communities by transporting an average of 250 patients a month. During this time, the Matri Yaan ambulance never stopped transporting laboring mothers to the care they needed.
COVID Patient Isolation Centers:
HIMserve worked with the Government and other community organizations to establish 43 Isolation Care Centers for potential and confirmed COVID cases. These were a needed resource in communities that live in multi-generational homes. More than 500 individuals have be able to quarantine as a result reducing transmission in their villages. ECTA sent funds to purchase beds, medical equipment, PPE, and medicines for the patients and care givers at these facilities.
Lock-down Relief:
DUring the high of outbreaks in India, everything was closed and transportation to and from markets was stopped completely. Over a month’s worth of food rations including rice, lentils, and oil were distributed to 285 families. The parents of these families were daily wage workers unable to find employment due to the lock-down measures. HIMserve’s field staff worked to identify those who had ‘fallen through the cracks’ of other safety net programs to ensure that those in the greatest need benefited most.
4 Community Health Clinics in Daragaon, Barbote, Lungshel, and Chunabhatti:
Devoted clinic staff served the overwhelming need of communities cut off from care during the lock-down and beyond. They provide basic primary health care services such as taking temperatures, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, oxygen saturation level, and screening for disease. Our community health workers provided basic medications and treatments, as well as advised community members on the need for higher level care.
Community Health Volunteers:
Despite logistical hurdles, our CHV Trainers were able to train 50 more rural women in the Daragaon Kharka area to serve their communities. With these graduates, HIMserve now has over 400 CHV’s working in over 70 communities! Some have gone on to establish Health Clubs in their communities educating children and their parents on important health issues. Others have gone on to serve in government health positions in their villages.
Dr. Paul Brand Medical Scholarship:
Angel Lepcha has continued studying online due to the pandemic. She is in her 4th year now with two more years to complete her MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) Degree. She has been observing cases and gaining practical experience at a local hospital in addition to her virtual course work. She will return to China to finish her clinical education once COVID restrictions are lifted.
Community School:
Redstar Academy in Daragaon Kharka had to adapt this year offering limited in person classes and online classes as well. It is hard to believe that we brought the first computer to this community only 15 years ago. It is incredible that the once dirt floored, un-electrified bamboo walled building we started off in is now offering virtual classes! Many restrictions lifted in November and 55 students are finally attending in person again.
As you can see, incredible work has continued on thanks to our dedicated partners and your continued support. Here are some of the needs and projects for the coming year.
Matriyan Ambulance:
This was our very first ambulance and has been completely rebuilt multiple times. Now this vehicle has come to the end of its life span and needs to be replaced after 11 years of continued rugged service. A new vehicle while cost roughly $16,000 USD.
School Furniture:
The desks and benches of Redstar Academy have been well loved over the last decade+. Due to the skyrocketing cost of lumber and labor, RSA is unable to afford replacements. ECTA has approved at budget of $2500 dollars for materials and a local carpenter.
Staff support:
As in the USA, the cost of goods and services is pushing up wages in India. Over the next year, ECTA will need to adjust the salaries and benefits of sponsored HIMserve staff (such as our trainers and ambulance drivers) to ensure that their families have a truly livable wage.
Due to the unstable and constantly evolving situation in 2021, ECTA found it difficult to keep you all informed about our work and activities. Know that, as always, we are making sure that your generous donations make a lasting impact in communities in the Himalayas and that benefits are reaching those who need it most. Your gifts have made a critical difference in this year of extreme challenge. On behalf of all our friends and neighbors in India, dhanyabad (thank you!). We wouldn't be here without you.
Sincerely,
ECTA International
