Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa has lauded the contribution of Anganwadi workers in providing health care to children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. In a video interaction with the Anganwadi workers across the state, the Chief Minister emphasised on the need to play an active role if the COVID third wave strikes, which is said to infect children. He asked the Anganwadi workers to identify undernourished children prone to viral infections. They were asked to visit door to door and create awareness about COVID-19 pandemic and precautions needed to prevent it.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that nearly 86 per cent of Anganwadi workers are vaccinated. He recalled that during the first wave of the pandemic, 20 Anganwadi workers had lost their lives and each was paid a compensation of Rs 30 lakh. A few workers who spoke to the Chief Minister said that in the absence of ASHA workers, they are collecting the swabs for COVID tests and making efforts to educate people about mother and child health.</span><br />