Intervention:

Three former elected representatives of local government were identified in the area of Tehsil Yazman, Bahawalpur, Punjab. Eleven meetings were organised, at a mandir and at home-based places of worship for the Hindu community. During the meetings, COVID-19 protection measure—Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as advised by the government—were detailed to the public. An FM radio show comprising interviews with former Hindu councillors was also aired. The engagement of community elders ensured that it was possible to disseminate PRWSWO’s messages widely among the rural community.

Later, a press conference was organised in Ahmedpur East Tehsil, with Hindu religious leaders and former elected local government officials in attendance. The leaders briefed those in attendance about the COVID-19 situation in general and its impact on the Hindu community in particular Hindu community. They also detailed the need for the adoption of precaution measures. Brochures were distributed widely among the community.