Health

Overview
Basic Health Education
Reproductive & Child Health
Nutrition
Malaria Control
Blindness Program

In India, it is estimated that 1,20,00,000 (1 crore 20 lakhs) people are blind. A high level of stigma against disabled persons means that being blind can lead to negative consequences for the individual and his or her family. Further, poor economic conditions prevent easy access to treatment.

In 2009, a team from SOVA surveyed 339 villages in Koraput and Semiliguda blocks to assess the need for eyecare services, disability awareness, and access to government schemes. A multi-faceted approach was implemented in the area.

Screenings

Vision screenings are held in communities and schools within the operational area. SOVA staff refer persons with vision impairment for treatment and discuss government and NGO assistance available to them. Two days per week, a vision screening center is open to the public, free of charge, in Semiliguda.

Awareness

By working with groups from the village-level to the district level, SOVA raises awareness of the rights of blind persons and advocates for the inclusion of disabled persons in mainstream society. Recently, the project team has met with the district project coordinator (DPC), panchayat raj institutions (PRI), children’s clubs, village-level committees (e.g. education, development), block-level government functionaries, a primary health center doctor, and women’s self-help groups.

Eye Care Training

SOVA delivers eye care training programs to groups such as ASHA, anganwadi workers, teachers, village development committees, and youth clubs. Participants learn how to identify someone with possible vision impairment and about what government services are available.

Social Inclusion

When meeting with children’s groups, teachers, and others, SOVA staff stress the importance of social inclusion for the blind. Children are encouraged to involve their blind peers in social activities; child clubs and village committees are asked to invite blind persons to be members; and teachers are taught how to modify classroom activities to include blind students.