Pune, April 14 -- Spurred on by the unfolding events in China at the end of 2019, FIL and MMF took the initiative to formulate a pre-preparedness strategy much before WHO announced it as a global pandemic. The strategy was developed in close consultation with local hospitals, doctors that have been associated with the Foundation, para-medical partners and others with relevant experience.

Recognizing the likelihood of an increase in the need for face masks, the Foundation approached various organizations who could contribute towards this requirement. The Family Planning Association of India who provide a livelihood to HIV+ women in Pune; local women's self-help groups in Satara were approached to make masks. This effort was mirrored in Ma...