Times have changed since the COVID -19 pandemic gripped the world in early 2020 and thrust the world intp a completely unprecedented scenario. In the last few months, India has seen a steep increase and then a gradual decrease in infection rates. End-2020 saw the roll out of vaccines but at the same time a surge of a virus mutant also predominated with cases being identified in India as well.
Missing and fractured information, myths and misunderstandings, as well as constant upgradation of existing information on the disease have created gaps between different stakeholders. This has led to confusion in many communities. The reactions have oscillated from fear and panic to total disregard of the situation.
India’s rural communities make up nearly 70% of the Indian population. The primary means of receiving reliable information on COVID-19 for these 833 million Indian is through the aid of local healthcare workers, most of whom are women.
Therefore, by educating women, answering their queries, and quelling their fear, a major breakthrough in managing the spread of disease has been achieved. Focusing on a woman will not only lead to her own empowerment but will ensure greater safety for her children and family as well.
Providing necessary means to women can play a greater role in containing the pandemic situation as we stand at the crossroads of high incidence of infection, vaccine roll-out and emergence of the viral mutant.
The aim of the 1M1B COVID-19 awareness curriculum is to raise awareness in communities, specifically through rural women who can further enable this within their communities. The Curriculum includes training on
The curriculum content is enabled through simple engaging animations and videos in regional language to facilitate widespread outreach and impact. It is hoped that these learnings will not only dissuade the spread of misinformation but will also empower the COVID-19 Champions to provide much-needed support to affected persons around them to access appropriate and timely healthcare.
India had seen an increasing trend of daily new confirmed COVID-19 cases till recently, with over 10.4 million people infected. End of 2020 has seen a gradual downward trend. However examples across the globe are witness that decreasing trends have led to a spike (second wave) of the infection as people dropped their guards. This needs to be avoided. Further spread needs to be contained till the vaccines are made equitably available to everyone, including those living on the margins. Spreading awareness to contain the virus is our only weapon till that time.
At 1M1B, we have undertaken an ambitious target to reach 1,00,000 people in the next 3 months by empowering the youth and women to become COVID-19 Champions by training on 1M1B’s COVID-19 Awareness Curriculum. Starting with the objective of disseminating the right information in rural communities, the curriculum has already helped 1000+ women living in these areas of India to deal with this phase of adversity and uncertainty.
The curriculum is divided Into 6 modules and are now openly accessible online in three different languages - Hindi, Telugu and English for wider reach and impact. The total duration of the modules is 1 hour and has in-built assessment surveys to assess the impact of the curriculum delivery.
Please click on this link to access the same and become a Covid - 19 Champion:
There are various ways to become a 1M1B COVID-19 Champion
The 1M1B COVID-19 Awareness Curriculum is freely available to anyone who would like to become a 1M1B COVID-19 Champion by disseminating credible information in their communities, and in their networks. Click on any of the icons below by selecting the preferred language to get started. Alternatively, you can connect with 1M1B's trainers to enable curriculum dissemination in your selected geography.
Individuals who reach 500 people or more will be recognized by 1M1B as Exemplary COVID-19 Champions
A small donation of INR 500 will create 1 woman COVID-19 champion. The following options can be considered
INR 500- Sponsor training of 1 woman
INR 25000- Sponsor a session comprising 50 women
INR 2,50,000- Sponsor sessions to empower 500 women
Individuals enabling training of 500 people or more will be recognized by 1M1B as Exemplary COVID-19 Champions
All donations to1M1B Foundation are exempted from tax under Section 80G
You can make your generous donation here: DONATE
The content has been prepared in consultation with doctors, researchers and people working in the public health space.
Dr. Sanjeev Khichi
Dr. Swati Subodh
Dr S.V. Mahadevan
In the last 7 months, the Awareness Program has been conducted in several villages of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka covering upto 1000+ women alongside doctors, ASHAs and ANMs. We are now looking to 1,00,000 people in he coming months through the online modules.
The content was curated in Telugu, with animated videos and recorded Doctor’s videos.
Associate Professor Of Community Medicine with a demonstrated history of over 15 years of working in the hospital & health care industry.
Co founder of 1M1B, Swati is a scientist-entrepreneur in the field of biotechnology. She has a cumulative experience of 15+ years in the field of clinical research and leads Healthcare Innovations at
Dr. Mahadevan is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. He was appointed as Director of Global Affairs and Strategy for Stanford Medicine and Stanford Health Care in 2018.
