This project strengthened community health and COVID-19 prevention efforts in 34 villages of Vizianagaram district by providing health education, volunteer training, and healthcare support through local self-help groups.

With support from IDS, Sodhana implemented a comprehensive COVID-19 prevention and community health program benefiting more than 12,500 individuals across 34 villages in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh. The initiative focused on increasing awareness about the virus, promoting preventive health practices, and reducing stigma through community-based education and outreach activities. Training sessions were conducted for community members, preschool workers, and primary school volunteers on COVID-19 prevention, safety measures, and symptom monitoring. Volunteers were equipped with thermometers to conduct regular health checks and refer individuals showing symptoms to government testing centers for further evaluation. The project also strengthened Sodhana’s network of self-help groups, empowering local community members to serve as health advocates and support the delivery of preventive healthcare information. To reinforce public health measures, self-help group members received masks, sanitizers, and thermometers, enabling them to continue serving their communities safely while promoting healthy practices and disease prevention. Through community participation and local leadership, the project helped improve health awareness, strengthen preventive healthcare systems, and build resilience against public health challenges.