Balaka DC hails NGOs’ Covid-19 fight support
Balaka district commissioner (DC) Emmanuel Bambe has commended non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for supporting the district’s fight against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The DC made the remarks on Wednesday when Oxfam donated various hygiene and sanitation materials to households inTraditional Authority (T/A) Amidu in the district.
He described the support as a relief to the council towards the fight against the pandemic.
“We are grateful for the donations from various organisations because they complement our efforts,” said Bambe.
He also said the council has made strides in Covid-19 awareness campaigns in communities through area development committees and full council meeting.
On her part, Oxfam country director Lingalireni Mihowa said as one of the NGOs supporting government’s Covid-19 response, they have mobilised resources to be spread out in eight districts.
She said: “We mobilised K280 million to scale up public hygiene and we will also support households with social protection products through social cash transfers.
“This is because there is a disruption of markets during the agriculture season.”
Mihowa said they took the household-approach to ensure they embrace hygiene to protect themselves from the pandemic.
T/A Kalembo urged his subjects to utilise the materials to prevent the spread of the pandemic. “Through sensitisation, we hear 63 people in the country have tested positive to Covid-19. So, we urge people in communities to observe precautionary measures,” he said.
