The Business Bytes
Jharsuguda, September 13, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has successfully conducted an extensive filaria awareness campaign across 85 villages in Jharsuguda district, reaching more than 90,000 residents. The initiative, aimed at combating the rise of Lymphatic Filariasis cases during the monsoon season, was implemented in collaboration with the district administration, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi workers.
Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as filaria, is a parasitic disease transmitted through mosquito bites, causing painful and disfiguring swelling of the limbs and other body parts. It poses a significant health risk, especially in remote areas with limited access to healthcare, and tends to escalate during the monsoon months due to increased mosquito activity.
To address this pressing public health concern, Vedanta Aluminium launched a comprehensive 10-day awareness drive, which included the deployment of mobile health units, emergency response preparedness training, and the distribution of pamphlets providing essential information on the prevention and treatment of the disease.
The campaign was launched in the presence of key officials, including Prabir Kumar Naik, Chief Development Officer, Jharsuguda; Jaikrushna Naik, Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer, Jharsuguda; Bulunath Sahu, District Program Manager of the National Health Mission; and Dr. Radha Raman Bhirtia, Additional District Health Officer for Vector-borne Diseases.
Emphasizing the company’s commitment to enhancing public health, Vedanta Aluminium’s Chief Operating Officer (Aluminium Business), Sunil Gupta, said: “Our social impact initiatives are driven by our commitment to improving the quality of life for our communities. The filaria awareness campaign is a prime example of the collaborative spirit that powers our efforts. We are proud to contribute to a significant public health milestone in Jharsuguda. The success of this campaign marks a vital step toward better health outcomes in the region and reaffirms Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to making a lasting positive impact on the well-being of Jharsuguda.”
Dr. Jaikrushna Naik also highlighted the importance of Vedanta’s involvement, stating, “The partnership with Vedanta Aluminium has been instrumental in the success of this campaign. Their support and resources have enabled us to reach a wide audience effectively, providing critical information and resources to combat filaria. This collaboration demonstrates how public and private sectors can work together for the greater good of the community.”
Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest aluminium producer, manufacturing over 2.37 million tonnes of aluminium in FY24, which accounts for more than half of the country’s total output. The company is recognized for its sustainable development practices and was ranked 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 for the aluminium industry. With world-class aluminium smelters, an alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium is committed to pioneering innovative applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ to support a greener tomorrow.
