A slum made miracle! There is no better phrase to describe. A collective effort from the NGOs, medical team, paramedical team, engineering team, private practitioners and the people of Dharavi pulled the rabbit out of the hat.Covid19 curve flattened in a matter of weeks where it was expected to spread like wildfire. Dharavi is undoubtedly one of the biggest slums Asia has seen so far. Extending her hands she stretches up to 2.5sqkm of area which is a home for more than 9 Lakh Indians. Without proper hygiene, toilet facilities, 10x10 hutments, high population and unclean environment unlike any other this place will give scare to an average Indian. Adding to this most of the people from Dharavi are working in essential services like hospital nurses, ward boys, food delivery workers. With these conditions present in Dharavi, Social distancing and home quarantine becomes unimaginable.
Regardless this limitations Dharavi boldly fought against COVID19.Form an initial 3500+ cases the count is stating a little over 100 cases at the moment. This would not have been achieved without the “Mission Dharavi” initiative. The officials followed aggressive strategy by chasing the virus and focused proactively on 4 T’s tracing, tracking, testing and treating. Further strict containment zones, drone monitoring and steady essentials and grocery supply in the residential areas by the police and authorities helped Dharavi to flatten the curve.
Due to its very own complexity and success the “Mission Dharavi” COVID-19 outbreak control protocol was recognised and appreciated by the World Health Organization. Asia’s largest slum can be the prime example of anything is possible if there is a will.
-Joseph
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