Akangjungla
As humanity sails through the unprecedented challenges of the novel Coronavirus pandemic, the act of solidarity has reflected through and beyond. For many, an act of kindness and love shown in ways of giving relief materials, reaching out through counseling, providing medical equipments and aids have been the cementing factor to look forward for better times.
Amidst the confusion, misinformation, fear and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19, the world has seen many examples of solidarity recognizing that we are all in this together. Across the globe, the need to support each other through the expression of solidarity appears to be spreading as an act of common interest and shared humanity. There is a visible desire in the entire world to act with the spirit of togetherness.
Whether we are confronting the pandemic from Nagaland or elsewhere, certainly, the response to the crises through the expression of compassion and selfless love has been inspirational. While the questionable state of the government and the pitiable condition of the health care system came out clear, it also opened an opportunity for Nagas in general to realise that solidarity is a fundamental human need.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres made a call to Governments to “fully meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) appeal,” stating “Global solidarity is not only a moral imperative, it is in everyone’s interests... We are only as strong as the weakest health system.”
With several partnerships coming to the Naga people and the state government in an effort to provide support in the fight against COVID-19, this call for global solidarity and togetherness resonates in Nagaland.
Supported by the Government of Japan and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India two oxygen generation plants were commissioned in Tuensang and Phek district hospitals. This will provide emergency oxygen supplies for the intensive care treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
The Government of Latvia and UNDP, India has also partnered to ensure availability of critical medical equipment in Nagaland. Latvia contributed USD 60,000 for the procurement of medical equipment, as part of the broader European Union’s assistance to India’s response to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will be used to purchase Indian-made AgVa ventilators. The ventilators were procured to be distributed to hospitals in Nagaland.
The FES (Foundation for Ecological Security) is supporting the initiative of the Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS), Tuensang to appoint paid volunteers for flu surveillance in three districts - Mon, Tuensang and Noklak in Nagaland.
The Hans Foundation (THF), one of India’s largest public charitable trusts made contributions to Nagaland in the form of 1000 FA (Fine Adjustment) Valve cum Humidifiers, which will be distributed to various hospitals and health centres throughout the state by the Department of Health and Family Welfare. The Foundation has also provided four Oxygen Concentrators, out which two were given to Mon district and one each to Tuensang and Longleng respectively. The Oxygen Concentrators are put to use.
Several humanitarian organizations like the Hemkunt Foundation, IIT Kanpur Alumni Association, Sauramandala Foundation, United Way Bengaluru, India Covid SOS, Meddo Foundation and others have responded to the COVID-19 relief fundraiser initiated by Help Nagaland Breathe (HNB) to obtain urgently needed medical supplies for Nagaland’s fight against COVID-19.
All these acts of solidarity have sparked light of hope and brought comfort. The emerging understanding that human beings have a moral responsibility to work together for the good of all has invoked a new imagination for a global community and that, it is possible for diverse communities to co-exist in harmony.
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