COVID-19: HI is striving to protect vulnerable people by continuing its work in Thailand
Nipaporn Deang-Ro, one of HI’s physiotherapists, provides rehabilitation care in refugee camps. He explains how the organisation has adapted to the pandemic.
Nipo Camp staff members take preventive measures to protect themselves from Covid-19 at work. | ©
Fear of contamination
The number of new cases and deaths rose steadily between March and May. This caused a lot of concern in the camp and everyone feared for their own lives.
Using protective equipment, HI staff members can continue organising physiotherapy sessions in refugee camps.
After being in lockdown for several weeks, I started visiting the camps again. We were given masks, hydro-alcoholic gel, gloves, and hygiene kits to protect us. We have also been trained in the virus and how to adapt our work and behaviour to stop it spreading. For example, whenever we visit someone, we take the patient's temperature and ask them questions, so we spot the slightest sign of fever.
Rehabilitation sessions resume
My patients really needed to resume their physiotherapy sessions, especially if they are recovering from a stroke or illness. I come into contact with patients’ bodies and I talk with them to motivate them. Using protective gear, I was able to provide them with care as normal.
Distributing protective equipment
We distribute masks, soap, and information posters on Covid-19 to refugees. We have also set up training courses to teach people how to sew cloth masks. The seamstresses have already made more than 4,000. These will be distributed to people in the camp.
