Pulse polio campaigning is a vital programme of RDS. Health hazards are one of the major problems of rural people. Under the pulse polio campaigning programme, RDS has covered 10 villages in Bankura I block. Staff members, volunteers, social workers, and governing body members of RDS fully cooperate to make the pulse polio immunization cent percent in target villages. RDS established close contact with concerned blocks ICDS and health departments.
RDS organized health checkup camps during the reporting year in ten villages at Bankura I block. Women groups received IEC materials on preventive health measures. A total of 396 women and 218 children were examined, and referral services were provided. The camp was conducted by one doctor and trained health staff from RDS.
RDS has organized Malaria and TB Control programmes for the last five years, covering 10 villages in Mohanpur block (Jharkhand) and 5 villages in Bankura I block (West Bengal). Preventive awareness education on cleaning water bodies, using mosquito nets, and blood testing was provided.
HIV/AIDS is spreading rapidly in West Bengal, including Bankura district. RDS focuses on raising awareness in commercial sex worker communities and their clients in Bankura. Behaviour change communication and focus group discussions are organized to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Bankura district is leprosy-affected, with a famous Leprosy Hospital located here. RDS is dedicated to eradicating social stigma and promoting early detection and treatment. In the reporting year, RDS identified 32 affected individuals and referred them for MDT treatment.
Eye care sensitization camps were organized in remote tribal villages in Bankura I block. RDS referred deserving patients to Lions Club and other institutions for free check-ups.
RDS provided vocational training for women and youth. Highlights include fish hook making for 20 women, bell metal training for 15 youth, kitchen gardening and compost farming for 20 women, and mushroom cultivation for 20 women. Training on weaving, goat rearing, and handicrafts empowered 70 women for self-employment.
RDS established training units for piggery, fish culture, kitchen gardening, and food processing. These programs provided training to over 100 individuals and contributed to income generation for the organization through sale proceeds.
RDS organized a five-day youth leadership training program at Kenjakura for 40 youths from tribal, indigenous, and scheduled caste communities, focusing on leadership quality, team building, and participatory planning.
RDS organized a three-day art craft exhibition at Bankura town, with 80 youths showcasing their work. Approximately 3000 villagers attended, appreciating the creativity and talent of local youth.
Sponsored by Gandhi Vichar Parishad, RDS successfully implemented the dug well construction program at Harekrishnapur village, irrigating 30 bighas of land with the support of local contributions.