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Role of OVHA in Orissa
OVHA is the largest and oldest network of NGOs working in the field of community
health and development in Orissa. OVHA being a federation, its real strength
and weakness lies with its member organisations who are spread through out the
State. The individual members, also known as Associated Members, only contribute
to the strengthening of organisation by giving suggestions, expertise, sharing
their experiences, etc.
Since the day of its inception OVHA has been contributing significantly to
the overall development of health status in state. Besides conducting a number
of training programmes OVHA organises seminars, workshops & exhibitions and
publishes books and periodicals. The other important activity of OVHA is advocacy
and lobby. We keep a close look on different health related developments of
the state and at the time of necessity respond to these in a professional manner.
OVHA help enhances the capacity of many NGOs and enable them to plan, implement
and evaluate community health and development projects. OVHA’s research findings
are of great help in planning and implementing different programmes or projects
for the enhancement of state health status. OVHA closely work with the government
and other agencies and extends every kind of support for enhancing the health
status of Orissa. It’s noteworthy that OVHA has been contributing significantly
as an important member in many State level committees on health, population,
environment, etc. formed by the government.
Since few years OVHA has been recognised as a Mother NGO by the Government
of India for implementing the Reproductive & Child Health Programme and Indian
Systems of Medicine & Homeopathy programme in eight districts of Orissa. OVHA
supported some voluntary agencies for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction
work immediately after the super cyclone and flood of 1999. It’s noteworthy
that OVHA was directly involved in the emergency relief work immediately after
the super cyclone and flood of 1999. For the control of malaria inside the state
OVHA supported several member organisations to establish and strengthen Malaria
Centres. Under these programmes OVHA supported a number of voluntary agencies,
both financially and technically, which contribute to enhance the health status
of Orissa.
OVHA has completed 33 years of its services in Orissa, however, it has to go
a long way as its responsibilities has been growing tremendously inside the
state as a pioneer of health in voluntary sector. The present health indicators
of Orissa are far below the desired level, and still health for all is a dream
for State. Voluntary action would continue to play a significant role to enhance
the health status of Orissa, as the state efforts alone cannot be adequate.
In this situation it’s the moral responsibility of OVHA to provide necessary
leadership and professional inputs to the voluntary agencies of state to make
health a reality for the people of Orissa.
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