DST launched programme YASH focus on COVID-19 pandemic

The National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science & Technology (DST) has released an information brochure for a recently launched programme on health and risk communication ‘Year of Awareness on Science & Health (YASH) with focus on COVID-19’.

The brochure carries information on the genesis and need of such a mega programme in the country to address the issues of risks, crises, disasters, and uncertainties especially posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The programme focuses on enhancing public understanding and awareness on science and health for better preparedness to cope up with the present and future challenges.

YASH Programme is a comprehensive and effective science and health communication effort for promoting grass-root level appreciation and response on health and would help to save and shaping the lives of people at large and build confidence, inculcate a scientific temper, and promote health consciousness among them.

The programme aims to convey the authentic best practices of cutting down on the transmission of coronavirus.

The programme will encompass development of science, health, and risk communication software, publications, audio-visual, digital platforms, folk performances, trained communicators, especially in regional languages to cater to various cross-sections of the society in the country.

Under the programme, strategies have been worked out to involve academic, research, media, and voluntary organizations to facilitate necessary actions and emergency preparedness of society to address the challenge.