WHEN GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING

Thousands of children go missing each year. Children go missing due to a number of possible reasons such as abduction or kidnapping, trafficking, lost children, running away from home due to conflict with family or living in a difficult and aggressive environment.

Large numbers of missing children end up on the streets in acute poverty. Many are forced to engage in unlawful activities. They are extremely vulnerable and easily exploited. In the year 2018-2019, CHILDLINE received approximately 32,000 cases of missing and runaway children each.

CHILDLINE 1098 is 24X7, emergency, toll-free helpline for children who are in distress. The CHILDLINE ground level rescue teams ensure that every child is safe and secure even in tough situations.

CHILDLINE 1098 has safely restored a missing child with his parents during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. One day before the lockdown began; CHILDLINE 1098 received a call reporting a missing child who was unable to speak and was at Delhi Gate, Ghaziabad, UP. The team members immediately rushed to the location and found the child, Rohan (name changed to protect identity), 17, alone.

Since the child was unable to communicate, CHILDLINE took the child to the Ghaziabad police station. Even the police could not get any information from him. As per the protocol, the child was produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Though the child was supposed to be sent to the shelter home in Bijnor, UP, the chairperson decided that the boy should be quarantined at a hospital as a preventive measure due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the boy did not show any symptoms, the doctor at the MMG hospital in Ghaziabad was not keen to quarantine the child. However, post continuous persuasion from CHILDLINE, the boy was quarantined at the hospital. While the child was in quarantine, the CHILDLINE team member remained with the child and managed to get the contact details of the child’s family and inform them. The child’s family managed to reach Ghaziabad, despite the limited transport facility. After the due diligence process was completed, Rohan was reunited with his family.

COVID-19: DO'S AND DON'TS OF WEARING A MASK

Corona virus and the subsequent lock down have wreaked havoc in our lives. People have to wear a mask and adhere to various preventive measures for simple daily chores like going out to buy groceries, medical supplies or even fill fuel in our cars. While wearing a mask is important, there are certain rules that must be followed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has given several guidelines for the rational use of a mask to protect oneself from infection.

The list of Do’s and Don’ts of wearing a mask:

Do’s

•  It is important to clean your hand with soap and water or sanitizer before wearing a mask.
• Cover your nose and mouth with the mask and make sure that there are no gaps between your face and mask.
• Replace the mask as soon as it becomes damp and do not reuse single use masks.
• To remove the mask, remove it from behind, (do not touch the front of the mask) and  discard it immediately in a closed bin and wash your hands with soap and water or  sanitizer.
• You need to wear a mask, if you are taking care of a COVID-19 patient or a sick patient.
•  Masks are most effective when used in combination with soap and water or sanitizer.

Don’ts

•          Do not use ripped or damp mask.
•         Do not wear a mask only over your nose or mouth.
•          Do not use loose fitting mask.
•         Do not touch the front of the mask.
•         Do not remove your mask to talk to someone.
•          Do not leave your mask within the reach of someone.
•          Do not reuse masks.

Point to remember: Masks alone cannot protect you from COVID-19. Maintain at least 1 meter distance from others and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly even while wearing a mask