Unfortunately, the entire world is facing the damaging consequences of the COVID-19 at this moment. The pandemic restricts the movement of citizens in different parts of the world and it has also affected the livelihood of millions of people particularly who live in poor countries, and live in abject poverty. The governments are spending large amount of money from their treasury to curb the spread of the virus and save their country from the fall.
The Ethiopian government has also closed schools for a number of days to prevent the spread of the disease, informed the society not to hold meetings, quarantined travelers coming to Ethiopia for two weeks at isolation centers; took action on the temporary closure of the borders, suggested civil servants to carry out their duties at home taking into account their health condition, age, and other issues.
States have also prevented passengers’ traffic from entering into their territories, and restricted the transportation and human activities of their cities. The measures, as they contribute significantly to mitigate the spread of the virus, are highly encouraging. However, following the spread of the virus, additional steps have been taken by government agencies, nongovernment organizations and investors to assist communities in low-income and encouraging the entire communities to keep their health and reduce nutritional crises caused by the Coronavirus, thereby minimize the unprecedented social and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a recent press release issued by the Addis Ababa City Administration, the city administration has established about 1,200 food banks in the capital. The food banks are intended to support citizens facing problems related to the coronavirus, said Engineer Takele Uma, Deputy Mayor of the City.
He said that the designated food banks and reservoirs would be made more open to the need for food banks to be established. It is expected that the food banks will include ready-to-serve food, including dry food.
It is said that school feeding program, which started earlier, will continue to be made available through more available restaurants.
He said that 1,200 retired health professionals were urged to return; and trained to take part in the struggle of anti-coronavirus pandemic. It has been suggested that health professionals carry out the risk assessment of individuals in the area. In addition, there are about 30,000 young volunteers in the city to help with these activities, he noted.
The Deputy Mayor also said that a few thousand street children could be lifted from streets in just one week, while some have been voluntarily reunited with family. He thanked the individuals, investors and organizations involved in providing various assistances to overcome the current problem. In his statement, the Mayor called on residents to support the local food banks.
In addition, the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth (MWCY) is working to cease the spread of the virus through donating hand hygiene kits gained from donors in addition to creating awareness to slow down and prevent coronavirus transmission.
In the future, the Ministry is working with private investors and nongovernmental organizations and partners to provide support targeting women, children and youth, the Ministry stated.
The Ethiopian Herald April15/2020
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
