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info@seedin.org
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West Bengal, India

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Home Focus Area Community Health Camps & Awareness Outreach under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Programme

Community Health Camps & Awareness Outreach under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Programme

Community Health Camps & Awareness Outreach under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Programme
  • Supported By: World Bank
  • Coverage: Sundarbans region (across multiple blocks of South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas), West Bengal
  • Duration: 2012 - 2015
  • Beneficiaries: 1,60,000 individuals
  • Objective: To improve community health resilience in climate-impacted coastal regions by delivering preventive and curative health services, raising awareness on climate-linked diseases, and addressing occupational and seasonal health risks through an inclusive, community-based model.

Project Overview

From 2012 to 2015, under the World Bank-supported ICZM initiative, SEED implemented a wide-reaching health intervention in the Sundarbans—an ecologically fragile region frequently exposed to cyclones, flooding, water contamination, and seasonal disease outbreaks. This remote, riverine landscape—marked by limited healthcare infrastructure—posed significant risks for communities reliant on natural resources and subsistence livelihoods

To address these layered health vulnerabilities, SEED conducted over 300 multi-specialty health camps and village-based awareness drives targeting marginalized groups, especially women, children, and the occupationally vulnerable fishing community.

Key Areas of Intervention

  • • General & Preventive Health Outreach- SEED organized extensive health camps across Sundarbans villages to provide primary medical consultations, diagnosis, and treatment to underserved populations. These camps addressed seasonal health issues like diarrhea, typhoid, and skin infections—conditions exacerbated by saline water intrusion and lack of potable water. Anemia screening, deworming, and nutritional support were provided to women and children, along with the distribution of essential medicines. The initiative also created referral pathways to government health facilities for cases requiring specialized care.
  • • Occupational Health Awareness for the Fishing Community- Recognizing the unique health risks faced by the fishing community, SEED conducted targeted awareness and check-up camps to address occupational hazards. Fisherfolk—exposed to long hours in saline waters and extreme weather—suffered from skin diseases, fungal infections, respiratory ailments, and joint pain. Through localized sessions, they were educated on low-cost preventive strategies, basic hygiene, and first aid, empowering them to protect themselves while sustaining their livelihoods.
  • • Climate-Responsive Health Support Post-Cyclones & Floods- In the aftermath of major cyclonic events and floods, SEED deployed health teams to deliver immediate response in affected areas. Vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue were tackled through awareness sessions and symptom screening. Community members were trained in water purification, mosquito control, and early detection of post-flood illnesses. This intervention played a critical role in preventing disease outbreaks during periods of heightened climate vulnerability.
  • • WASH & Hygiene Promotion in Communities and Schools- The project incorporated robust WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education through interactive community and school-based activities. Children and adults learned safe water handling, handwashing practices, and toilet hygiene using engaging tools like visual demonstrations, street plays, and hygiene games. Schoolchildren, especially girls, became key agents of change, promoting improved hygiene behavior within their families and peer groups.
  • • Community Linkages and Health System Strengthening- To ensure continuity and sustainability, SEED actively collaborated with ASHA and AWW workers, Panchayat bodies, and health sub-centres. Capacity-building sessions were held for frontline workers, and resource mapping exercises helped communities better understand their seasonal health risks. The initiative improved access to government health schemes and ensured that the impact of the camps extended well beyond their duration through localized follow-ups and better-informed community actors.

Impact So Far

  • • 1,60,000+ people reached through multi-thematic health camps and awareness drives across remote Sundarbans villages.
  • • 350+ villages covered across coastal blocks vulnerable to saline intrusion and climate-induced disasters.
  • • 60,000+ women and children received health screenings, deworming, anemia management, and nutrition counselling.
  • • 25,000+ fisherfolk sensitized on occupational health hazards, preventive care, and first aid techniques.
  • • 22,000+ individuals educated on post-cyclone and flood health risks including vector-borne and waterborne diseases.
  • • 40,000+ people participated in WASH awareness sessions promoting hand hygiene, water safety, and sanitation practices.
  • • 3,500+ schoolchildren engaged through school-based hygiene promotion sessions and climate-health linkages.
  • • 1,200+ frontline workers (ASHA, AWWs) trained in early identification of common illnesses and community mobilization techniques.
  • • 700+ referrals facilitated for advanced care through linkages with government PHCs and health sub-centres.
  • • 80% reported improvement in hygiene behavior and healthcare-seeking practices in post-camp surveys conducted across selected villages.

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