As the world was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare workers around the globe put their lives on the line to help protect their communities. Among these brave individuals was Shanti Teresa Lakra, a 49-year-old nurse from the GB Pant Hospital in Port Blair.
Lakra was faced with a daunting task: to vaccinate the Jarawa tribe on Tirur Island. This remote tribe, who live in isolation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, had no immunity to the virus and were at high risk of being wiped out by the disease.
To reach the tribe, Lakra had to brave cyclonic tides and travel by a dinghy to the island. Her journey was fraught with danger, but she knew that the lives of the Jarawa people depended on her. When she arrived on the island, she was greeted with skepticism by the tribe, who were wary of outsiders. However, Lakra was able to gain their trust and successfully administered the vaccine to the entire tribe.
This act of bravery by Lakra highlights the dedication and selflessness of healthcare workers around the world. Despite the danger and challenges they face, they continue to work tirelessly to protect their communities and save lives.
The Jarawa tribe is one of the few surviving hunter-gatherer tribes in the world, and they have lived in isolation for thousands of years. They have little immunity to modern diseases, making them particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. The tribe has also faced numerous threats from outsiders, including exploitation, disease, and displacement. Lakra’s efforts to vaccinate the tribe are a crucial step in protecting their way of life and ensuring their survival.
Lakra’s actions are a testament to the importance of healthcare workers in times of crisis. Despite the dangers they face, they continue to put the needs of their communities first. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the crucial role that healthcare workers play in protecting our societies. From doctors and nurses to pharmacists and support staff, healthcare workers have shown their resilience, dedication, and compassion in the face of adversity.
As we continue to navigate this pandemic, we must continue to support and honor the efforts of healthcare workers around the world. They are the unsung heroes who put their lives on the line to protect ours. We must ensure that they have the resources, training, and support they need to continue their vital work, not only during this pandemic but for the challenges that lie ahead.
Lakra’s bravery in vaccinating the Jarawa tribe is a reminder of the importance of healthcare workers in times of crisis. It also highlights the vulnerability of isolated communities and the need to ensure that they are protected. We must continue to honor and support healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of this pandemic, risking their lives to protect ours.