Film shows help Pench buffer villagers shed vax hesitancy

Nagpur: A month ago, getting people vaccinated in the buffer villages of Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Maharashtra, was more difficult than tiger conservation. Today, with the intervention of wildlife conservation NGO Satpuda Foundation, locals are coming forward to get inoculated and ward off Covid.
In April, when Covid-19 had spread its tentacles in rural areas, tribal villagers surrounding Pench buffer initially agreed to take the vaccine. However, some of those bearing comorbidities died despite getting jabbed. Victims also included patients who were Covid positive but showed reluctance to go for tests.
“This sent a wrong message among the locals, who were then scared to get inoculated, and did not even allow vaccination teams in their villages. The general perception was that they will die after getting the vaccine shot,” said Kishor Rithe, president, Satpuda Foundation.
However, added Rithe, “Our mobile health unit involved in regular non-Covid health check-ups in buffer villages was allowed, uninterrupted. We seized this opportunity by showing films and audio-visuals to sensitize people. The plan is working now.”
Last week, the NGO organized free non-Covid health camps for Pench buffer villages, covering Usripar, Ghoti (I & II), Kadbikheda, Kirangisarra and Jamuniya.
Along with free consultation by an experienced doctor, people’s blood pressure, sugar and pulse levels were checked and medicines offered. “Since last month, our team, along with the offices of Ramtek tehsildar and Deolapar subdivisional officer (SDO), is engaged in creating awareness regarding Covid testing and vaccination,” said Mandar Pingle, senior field officer.
“We are showcasing audio-visuals to help villagers understand precautions to prevent Covid spread and also clear misconceptions and myths regarding vaccination. Positive impact of the drive can be seen this week as a good number of people between 18-45 years of age have now turned up for vaccination drives in Pipariya, Ghoti, Sillari,” said Rithe.
Even members of the Vyaghra Mitra Mandals, known as primary response teams (PRTs), guides and gypsy drivers are now getting themselves vaccinated in large numbers.
Nagesh Maraskolhe (25, a resident of Sillari) said, “There was a sense of fear during the first vaccination drive as many messages were circulating on social media about deaths caused by the vaccine. As a result, I was hesitant to take it.”
However, said Maraskhole, “We were made aware about precautions to prevent Covid spread during a film show by Satpuda Foundation in our village this month. The best part is that people are undergoing free health check-ups by Satpuda Foundation before getting vaccinated. I got my first shot a few days back and will take the second jab as well.”