Intervention  | Community Wellbeing and Environment

Health and wellness in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are hindered by geographic isolation, limited health infrastructure, and sub-par health outcomes. Dakshin initiated the Community Wellbeing Programme to enhance the quality of life and promote the wellbeing of coastal and marine communities. Launched in 2019, the programme works with two marine fishing communities in the South Andamans, benefiting over 10,000 people in the region.

The Community Health initiative focuses on empowering individuals to make healthier choices through participatory health decision-making, advocating for health rights, increasing awareness, and reducing gaps in access to good-quality health services. Our work addresses issues related to non-communicable diseases, mental health, young people’s health and rights, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and the occupational health of fishermen and fish vendors.

Our approach involves creating culturally nuanced and peer-led community outreach initiatives that promote thoughtful reflection on health-related behaviours, guiding individuals towards making healthier lifestyle decisions. To achieve this, we utilize imaginative and interactive health communication techniques, such as storytelling, art, games, and sports, during workshops conducted in safe and inclusive environments for men, women, and young people.

Our efforts are spearheaded by Community Resource Persons, who act as agents of change, advocating for health rights and facilitating workshops. They play a crucial role in bridging the gap between individuals and health services, ensuring personalized and person-centered care for all. Additionally, we collaborate with specialists and government partners to strengthen various levels of the public health system, ensuring the sustainability of long-term improvements in healthcare.

The project is funded by Blue Ventures. The team includes Kartik Shankar, Pavitra Vasudevan, and Bhawna Rao.