Thousands of Almaty residents aided by volunteer groups during pandemic crisis
In the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan, a network of volunteers stepped forward to lend a helping hand during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Almaty Akimat, the city's administrative body, established an operational volunteer headquarters at the Youth Loft Center, involving volunteer, medical, and public organisations.
The main activity of the headquarters was to provide assistance to vulnerable population categories, including the elderly, residents with disabilities, and socially disadvantaged citizens. Over 4,115 individuals received aid, with 193 families provided with medical masks, and 9,972 food packages distributed.
Volunteers were trained in safety and hygiene measures in response to the spread of the coronavirus. Their duties ranged from delivering food and medicine to those in need, to supporting city medical workers in accommodating arriving foreign citizens in hospitals.
Public monitoring was conducted in various facilities across the city, leading to appropriate measures being taken against those that were functioning despite restrictions. This included 166 facilities and 100 pharmacies, where measures were taken against cases of unjustified price increases for essential medications.
A total of 6250 residents received non-contact informational and explanatory work through a hotline, with over 100 calls being received daily.
In addition to these efforts, a plan of events consisting of 78 activities has been approved for the Year of the Volunteer in Almaty, with a reach of over 700,000 people.
The volunteer force in Almaty was substantial, with around 1,000 volunteers working throughout the city, and approximately 100 permanent volunteers involved in the operational volunteer headquarters.
Bakhytzhan Sagintayev, a notable figure in Almaty, answered questions from city residents, providing a reassuring presence during these uncertain times.
To keep up with the latest volunteer activities and future plans in Almaty, visit the operational website for volunteers in the city, almaty-volunteers.kz. For detailed, up-to-date, and location-specific information, consult local government reports, regional NGOs, or news outlets from Kazakhstan. These sources are more likely to cover such topics comprehensively.
The impact of these volunteer efforts was significant, alleviating pressure on overwhelmed health systems and supporting community resilience. Future plans often involve formalising volunteer networks and integrating them more closely into emergency response frameworks. The spirit of volunteerism in Almaty continues to shine bright, embodying the city's resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Science played a crucial role in training the volunteers, equipping them with knowledge about safety and hygiene measures in response to the spread of the coronavirus. The health-and-wellness of Almaty's citizens was further bolstered by the distribution of approximately 9,972 food packages and the provision of medical masks to 193 families.
