Canadian Organization to Help Prevent Covid-19 Deaths Among India’s Most Vulnerable

MARKHAM, ONTARIO, CANADA, May 10, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As COVID-19 deaths continue to grow exponentially in India, one Canadian NGO is stepping up to help that country’s most vulnerable people access the life-saving jab. Effect Hope, a Canadian Christian global health organization focused on supporting people with neglected tropical diseases, like leprosy, will now help to ensure that Indians affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF), diseases that cause discrimination and stigma, have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

While the situation is dire for all, hundreds of thousands of people with leprosy, LF, and associated disabilities face severe disparities in accessing health care. Therefore, Effect Hope will partner with Lepra UK and Lepra India to help as many as possible receive transportation to and from a vaccine site and both doses of the vaccine.

“Effect Hope’s mission is to bring hope and restoration to people affected by neglected tropical diseases like leprosy,” said Kim Evans, CEO of Effect Hope. “We want to ensure that these vulnerable people are not forgotten in the race to get vaccines out. It’s simply the right thing to do. We cannot stand by and watch them die.”

Abdul Nasar, a 50-year-old leprosy patient, has been living with leprosy for 10 years and has a disability. He travelled to his nearest government hospital and waited there for three days. He was turned away. Abdul says, “They want us to register on the government portal, but I cannot understand it. I am afraid. I am worried I will not receive my vaccination.”

With new cases of COVID-19 top over 400,000 per day in India’s deadly second wave, there are growing concerns that both the Government and private health-care systems are folding under the weight of demand for both services and the vaccine.

“People with diseases like leprosy and LF face discrimination and stigma in their daily life. It’s clear that they will come upon many barriers as a billion adults clamour for vaccines. Marginalized people, who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 infections, will be at the back of the line unless they receive support,” explained Maneesh Phillip, Director of International Programs for Effect Hope, “Lives are at stake.”

The program launched this past weekend, beginning with a community where 80 per cent of the residents are affected by leprosy and LF.

It only costs $35 per person for both doses of the vaccine and safe transportation to and from the vaccination site. There is an urgent need for funding to reach as many as possible. The organization is inviting Canadians to reach out and support this special initiative by visiting www.effecthope.org/covid-vax.

ENDS

ABOUT EFFECT HOPE
Effect Hope is a Canadian Christian global health organization that partners with others to bring hope and restoration to people affected by neglected tropical diseases like leprosy and lymphatic filariasis. These diseases cause illness and disabilities, perpetuate poverty, invite discrimination, and eliminate hope. For about 130 years, Effect Hope has worked hand-in-hand with affected communities and people to find innovative solutions to ensure that those living with neglected tropical diseases thrive with hope. With partners and supporters, Effect Hope seeks to create a world where people overcome neglected tropical diseases like leprosy – A world full of hope.

LINKS:
Web: www.effecthope.org/covid-vax
About Leprosy: https://effecthope.org/ntds/leprosy
About Lymphatic Filariasis: https://effecthope.org/ntds/lymphaticfilariasis About Neglected Tropical Diseases: https://effecthope.org/NTDoverview

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/effecthope
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/effecthope
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/effecthope
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/effecthope
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-leprosy-mission-canada

Anjay Nirula
Effect Hope
+1 416-459-9198
anirula@effecthope.org