ADDIS ABABA – Some residents urged Ethiopians living at home and abroad to strengthen response and scale up supports to the National Resource Mobilization Committee tasked with coordinating efforts of gathering financial and non-financial materials for COVID-19 emergency preparedness to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Alemu Assefa, a resident in Dessie Town said that, coronavirus is one of the unprecedented health crises the global people have encountered. The support gained so far from individual citizens, government and nongovernment organizations is though encouraging, as the issue is overwhelming, it calls for more coordinated and concerted responses from all.
According to him, at this moment, action and solidarity are crucial.
The response given by fellow citizens could open opportunities and assist the National Committee to combat the spread of the virus and address the needs of the most vulnerable people, especially women and children, older people, and those with disabilities or chronic illness.
To this happen, all Ethiopians, regardless of any differences, should join hands as it is the only way to win the battle, he remarked.
Demis Gebremichael a resident of Addis Ababa for his part said that since the scale of the impact is not yet well comprehended, it is fundamental to move urgently before the grim comes to happen.
The COVID-19 pandemic could create devastating consequences on country’s social, political, economic spectrums apart from causing distress on people’s health and livelihoods.
“The effort to mobilize resources is a timely action to response quickly and prevent further spread of the disease, which otherwise exacerbated due to resource constraints.”
Mulatu Gebremariam, the other resident of Addis Ababa and healthcare professional also noted that the instant response and solidarity shown in great.
“We have witnessed everyone’s commitment to mitigate the spread of the virus before grim times have come. The responses from investors, health specialists, the media and professionals in the entertainment industry are overwhelming. However, it should be further strengthened”.
It is high time to ensure sustainable behavioral change in all structure and communities with main focus to social distancing and hygienic procedures in hand washing, he added.
He further noted: “We must come together to fight the spread of the virus, and as we do so, the lifesaving relief operations across the nation should continue both in collecting material and financial resources. It is a moment to rally together in the spirit of solidarity,” he opined.
The Ethiopian Herald April 22/2020
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
