IEC comic titled “Kids, Vaayu & Corona” part 1 and part 2 released 

Chandigarh: Educative comic series Kids, Vaayu and Corona jointly published by Panjab University and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh is being covered by Vigyan Prasar in Document "Science & Technology Efforts on COVID-19 in India” in issue of 21st May 2020 under section Science Outreach & Popularisation Efforts. Vigyan Prasar -an autonomous institution under Ministry of Science & Technology engaged in large-scale science communication and popularization activities and spreading awareness about the S&T efforts of the Government of India as well as private sector in finding solutions for COVID-19, has compiled all initiatives being undertaken.
IEC comic titled “Kids, Vaayu & Corona” part 1 and part-2 was released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in March 2020.
Dr Suman Mor, Chairperson, Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University and one of author of comic states that children always idolized their superheroes and observed how their favorites role model solves problem through difficult situations. Keeping this in view this comic was conceptualized with Superhero- Vaayu- a global citizen who works for public health and environment. Now this superhero is very famous among children and clear the doubt of kids regarding COVID-19. In first part of comic, Vaayu make children aware about the threats and spread of Coronavirus and explains simple steps for prevention and control of spread of infection. Whereas in the second part of comic series Vaayu explains more technical terms like quarantine, isolation, pandemic, PPEs and helplines for contacting people. Comic series has been released in 10 languages nationally and internationally (Hindi, Punjabi, English, Gujarati, Malay, French, Arabic, Dutch, Spanish).
Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Additional Professor of Environment Health, PGIMER stated that initiative is taken to clear the doubts and address all the queries among kids by making interesting comics series and to motivate them to fight against COVID-19. He further stated that we are happy that our comic is being appreciated all over and we are able to convey right information to people.  This shield helps to sensitise and aware about the prevention of transmission and spread of the novel coronavirus infection.  Simple preventive steps shown in Public health shield if followed properly will help to fight COVID-19.