Vedanta Aluminium champions community health through handwashing awareness and polio immunization drives

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JHARSUGUDA, OCTOBER 18, 2025

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing community health and preventive care through a series of grassroots initiatives this week in Jharsuguda. The company’s efforts included observing Global Handwashing Day through awareness sessions and extending support to the Pulse Polio Immunization Program, in close coordination with the District Health Department, Jharsuguda.

Observed every year on October 15, Global Handwashing Day underscores the importance of washing hands with soap — one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent diseases. It also promotes awareness about hand hygiene, the correct use of gloves, and the environmental impact of healthcare materials. As part of this campaign, Vedanta Aluminium organized week-long awareness programs across nearby villages and schools, reaching out to more than 3,000 community members.

A special session led by medical professionals was conducted to educate people about the significance of handwashing, followed by a live demonstration by paramedical staff on proper hand hygiene techniques. To encourage active participation, volunteers who demonstrated the correct handwashing steps received hand hygiene kits containing soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, tongue cleaner, and shampoo pouches. Educational leaflets illustrating the proper steps of handwashing were also distributed to reinforce daily hygiene practices.

Complementing this initiative, Vedanta Aluminium also supported the Pulse Polio Immunization Drive 2025, conducted in association with the District Health Department across 17 booths in Jharsuguda. Over 1,486 children were immunized during the three-day campaign, ensuring comprehensive community protection against poliovirus and contributing to India’s ongoing mission to remain a polio-free nation.

Highlighting the initiative, C. Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Jharsuguda, said, “Good health is the foundation of thriving communities. At Vedanta Aluminium, we are deeply committed to building a healthier tomorrow through preventive healthcare, widespread awareness, and accessible medical services. Our continued efforts, including the Global Handwashing Day and Pulse Polio Immunization initiatives, reflect our focus on nurturing healthy habits and safeguarding community well-being.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Mahesh Mohan Panda, Chief District Medical Officer and Public Health Officer, Jharsuguda, stated, “Vedanta Aluminium has been a consistent and proactive partner in promoting community health initiatives across Jharsuguda. Their sustained support for awareness programs and immunization drives has been instrumental in improving healthcare access and encouraging preventive health practices in rural areas.”

Beyond these initiatives, Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive multiple healthcare interventions across Jharsuguda. The **Vedanta Diagnostic Centre** provides affordable and quality healthcare services to thousands annually, while the company’s **Mobile Health Units (MHUs)** and specialized medical camps ensure medical access in remote locations. Through its sustained partnerships and community-first approach, Vedanta Aluminium continues to strengthen local health systems, promote hygiene, and ensure equitable healthcare access across its operational areas.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest aluminium producer, accounting for over half of the nation’s output with 2.42 million tonnes in FY25. The company is a leader in value-added aluminium products that serve critical applications across core industries. Ranked 2nd globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry, Vedanta Aluminium stands at the forefront of sustainable development. With world-class aluminium smelters, an alumina refinery, and power plants in India, the company remains committed to positioning aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.