Adventist Development And Relief Agency

In response to India's devastating second wave of COVID-19, ADRA has launched a comprehensive effort. The situation is dire, with overwhelmed healthcare systems and oxygen shortages. ADRA is setting up Oxygen Generation Plants in hospitals across India, establishing a COVID Care Centre in Assam, and providing ICU beds and vital medical equipment. Its response has already reached 18 states, supporting healthcare workers and patients. Collaboration is crucial to combat this crisis, and India urgently needs support from the global community to alleviate the catastrophic impact of the pandemic.

ADRA India is committed to providing equitable access to education for all, especially marginalized groups such as those in poverty, crisis situations, and girls. Its approach encompasses various strategies, including community awareness, supporting at-risk children, creating child-friendly school environments, capacity-building, networking with stakeholders, and improving infrastructure. It also offers individual protection support and income generation opportunities for parents. One of its ongoing projects, RISE (Remedial and Inclusive Education), focuses on assisting school children in Tamil Nadu who are at risk of dropping out, aiming to complete their basic education and improve their quality of life. ADRA India's work emphasizes the transformative power of education to combat vulnerabilities and enhance opportunities for individuals and communities.

ADRA India is committed to enhancing the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, especially refugees, women, and youth. It employs straightforward approaches like skills training, market access, and entrepreneurship support to combat poverty. Its strategy includes identifying those in need, providing training, facilitating job connections, and advocating against labour market discrimination. The "FRESH HOPE" project empowers the Tea Garden community in Assam through livelihood opportunities, including low-cost sanitary napkin production and health education. In the "LESS" initiative, ADRA India and ADRA Sri Lanka collaborate to address the challenges faced by resettled communities, emphasizing capacity-building, documentation support, and livelihood skills training for refugees, aiming to create enduring social and economic solutions. ADRA India's mission revolves around improving economic prospects and fostering self-reliance among individuals and communities.

ADRA India plays a crucial role in improving community health by providing essential services in areas like reproductive and maternal health, tuberculosis control, polio eradication, sexual and reproductive health education, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Through community engagement, advocacy, capacity building, and partnerships, it aims to ensure equal access to health services for all. In addition, ADRA actively participated in the Polio Eradication Initiative, contributing to India becoming "polio-free." It also focuses on hygiene education, especially among adolescent girls, and has established low-cost sanitary units. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ADRA supported the Government in spreading awareness, dispelling rumours, and counselling patients, demonstrating its commitment to community well-being.

ADRA India plays a crucial role in providing emergency relief during disasters, particularly in a disaster-prone region like India. It coordinates resources and personnel swiftly to reach the hardest-hit areas, addressing urgent needs. ADRA India has a robust capacity for disaster preparedness and response, partnering with various organisations for needs assessments and rapid response using pre-approved mechanisms. It provides immediate relief through food and non-food distributions, cash transfers, emergency water, sanitation, hygiene, and temporary shelters. Additionally, it conducts disaster risk reduction and preparedness training to mitigate future risks. Recent responses include aiding cyclone-affected households and addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring vulnerable communities receive essential support for their well-being.