ICRC exerts assistance in preventing, mitigating risks of COVID-19

ADDIS ABABA – The International Committee of Red Cross says it’s providing infection prevention assistance including soaps to detainees and setting up handwashing stations in 27 places of detention across the country, reaching over 40,000 detainees. According to Julien Lerisson ICRC Head Delegation in Ethiopia, the places of detention were selected based on the number of detainees and other risk factors such as proximity to cities and towns.
He told The Ethiopian Herald that the ICRC is distributing posters in places of detention and Physical Rehabilitation Centers (PRCs) with information on COVID-19 prevention, symptoms, and actions to be taken if someone is sick. “We are also engaged in a dialogue with relevant authorities to support them in preventing and mitigating the risks of outbreaks of COVID-19 in places of detention. Nine PRCs and four Primary Health Care centers (PHC) in violence affected areas of Oromia and SRS are also benefitting from ICRC assistance of hand washing stations and over hand sanitizers. Preparation to distribute Personal Protective Equipment to PHC is underway,” he noted.
Transmission of prevention measures, specifically to physically disabled persons on public media is facilitated. Together with the Ethiopia Red Cross, “we are sharing information with communities on prevention measures such as hand washing and social distancing, including along our traditional activities such as during the distribution of seeds and agricultural tools to violence affected communities in Oromia”.
In its operational response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the ICRC focuses on three main areas: improve preparedness and infection prevention and control in places of detention, support to weak or remote healthcare infrastructures in conflict or violence prone areas, and support to its main partner, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) as a frontline organization in the response. In that regard, the ICRC addresses health concerns in violence/conflict affected areas in a multi-disciplinary manner: water and sanitation teams work to increase access to clean water in dozens of areas affected by crises, and soap is included in the assistance packages given to IDPs/returnees.
Provision of essential households items (such as mattresses, blankets, bed sheets, soap etc.) for designated isolation centers through the ERCS is organized. Distribution of hand washing stations and soaps, as well as identification of isolation rooms in places of detention. “During disease outbreaks, facts, not fear, help people to protect themselves and their loved ones. The ICRC supports the ERCS in educating the public about the virus, sharing prevention information and helping to prevent misinformation and reduce rumors” said Julien.
The Ethiopian Herald April 12/2020
BY HENOK TIBEBU