Mumbai: WHO praises 'Dharavi Model'; Aditya Thackeray says 'Thank You' for recognising efforts

Mumbai: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organisation has praised the 'Dharavi model' implemented by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to contain the spread of coronavirus in this densely populated and largest slum area in the entire Asia continent. State Environment Minister Aditya Thackeray in response has thanked the WHO Chief for recognising the efforts put in by state government, BMC, NGOs, elected representatives and 'Dharavikar's in chasing the virus.

The WHO in its tweet regarding press briefing of Dr Tedros on Friday has quoted him as saying, "Only aggressive action combined with national unity and global solidarity can turn the COVID-19 pandemic around. There are many examples from around the world that have shown that even if the COVID-19 outbreak is very intense, it can still be brought back under control. Italy, Spain and South Korea, even in Dharavi - a densely packed area in Mumbai - a strong focus on community engagement & the basics of testing, tracing, isolating & treating all those that are sick is key to breaking the chains of transmission & suppressing the virus."

Aditya, son of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray replied saying, "This is huge for our very own Dharavi that has chased the virus. The state government and BMC teams, along with NGOs, elected representatives and most importantly, Dharavikars! Let's keep this going! Thank you WHO for recognising their efforts, and will keep going on."

COVID-19 cases in Dharavi

• April 1 - First case recorded
• July 1 - Total 2,282 cases (only 3 per cent of Mumbai's total cases); 80 deaths recorded

BMC Strategy in Dharavi

• More than 2,500 doctors and healthcare workers deployed
• Test, Trace and Isolate protocol followed
• Local influential leaders, community organisations and NGOs identified to work with to access the area and residents
• Symptomatic persons immediately isolated or quarantined
• Makeshift fever clinics and medical camps set-up
• Thermal scanners, oximeters used to screen residents

Edited by

Khevna Pandit