Nobody is immune to COVID-19 – NCCE to Zuozugu residents

Residents of Zuozugu community in the Tamale Metropolis have been sensitised to observe all safety protocols instituted against the coronavirus disease.

This, according to the Northern Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Alhaji Abdul Razak Saani, was to create awareness amongst the residents on the disease in order for them to adopt good behaviours toward the virus since nobody is immune to the disease.

He said “the COVID-19 is no respecter of persons, and you can catch it no matter your status or where you live” adding “The only way we can deal with it is to observe the protocols prescribed by the World Health Organisation, and the government.”

He was speaking during a community sensitisation exercise on the disease at Zuozugu community in the Tamale Metropolis last Tuesday, May 20, 2020.

Messages on the disease such as how it was transmitted, symptoms and safety protocols including regular hand washing with soap under running water, avoiding crowds or keeping social distance, and eating nutritious foods were broadcast to the residents through the use of a mobile van.

Face masks were also distributed to some of the residents to keep them safe of the virus.

The sensitisation exercise was organised on Tuesday by the SOS Children’s Villages, Ghana in Tamale, a social development organisation with strong emphasis on child welfare, as part of its 100 Children go to school project.

Under the project, 200 children at the Zuozugu community are supported with educational and health materials, and their families’ capacities are also built through training and financial support to strengthen them to take good care of the children.

It is believed that some of the residents do not think COVID-19 exists whilst others also hold some myths about the disease – it is a white man’s disease, you will not get the disease when you take hot water, or shea butter.

Alhaji Razak Saani emphasised that “COVID-19 is real, it is with us and it is going to be with us for quite some time. Let us avoid situations that will predispose us to catching the disease.”

He appealed to them to ensure hygiene practices especially amongst their children by helping them to wash their hands thoroughly before eating and after playing.

Madam Benedicta Pealore, Programme Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Tamale, said the organisation was committed to sustaining its investment in the community hence need for community members to remain safe during this era of COVID-19 “So that we can continue to transform the lives of vulnerable families in the community.”

Mr Issahaku Naporo, a resident of Zuozugu, said the sensitization would help to demystify the myths residents held about the disease such that they would strictly adhere to the safety protocols to help curb the spread of the disease.

The SOS Children’s Villages, Ghana takes care of children, who have lost parental care and children, who are at risk of losing parental care.