For all those who have been wondering on the TV and media reports on the attack of avian influenza (H5N1) virus found among the chickens in parts of West Bengal, including all the three districts where Social Welfare Institute operates : the District of South Dinajpur was the first among all to be affected by the virus along with the Birbhum district. The virus has been confirmed in the samples from Malda as well. Some samples from Raiganj in North Dinajpur district have been sent for testing.
The Directorate of Civil Defense called for a meeting on 22 Jan 2008 at the State office of the UNICEF in Kolkata. Representatives from Government and Non-Governmental organizations also took part in it. SWI was asked to build awareness among the people to halt the spread of the virus. UNICEF also has sent 360 posters and 1500 small size wallpapers and a six minute film clip. To match with the efforts of the government, we have printed 6,000 leaflets. All these will be used for awareness building in 90 Panchayats in the three districts. We have also made VCDs out of the video clip and we will use it to build consciousness about the virus and the disease in 20 Panchayats in 40 places (two each) in the coming 20 days by using two LCD projectors in interior villages. And from 26th Jan onwards, a ventriloquist (“talking doll”) will also go to 30 places in the next 10 days covering 15 Panchayats and create awareness on the Bird Flu. So, next time you think of visiting our areas…. Well, don’t be afraid of the flu! We shall treat you to a delicious chicken curry for the dinner!
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