Let’s play our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in informal settlements.
As Covid-19 in Malawi surged to 57 confirmed cases as at May 11, 2020 fear sweeps the country. Rarely have so many of us been so afraid. The spread of Covid-19 presents the greatest challenge of our time, threatening our loved ones and bringing uncertainty to our society.
Worst-case predictions have shaken our way of life. Simple, everyday things must stop: freedom of movement, mingling with friends, shaking hands with new acquaintances, or even working alongside our colleagues. However, we are not powerless to stop it. We can and must play our part.
Hygiene remains one of the most important measures to curb the spread of the Covid_19 virus. But high-density areas like informal settlements may be at risk due to poor hygiene practices and limited access to water. An area like Mchinji has minimal access to sanitation facilities which poses a challenge in the efforts being made to address the Covid -19 outbreak in Malawi.
As CISE Malawi we spear headed a Tippy tap project to inculcate hand washing among 10 Health Centres in Mchinji. The residents are putting on measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
“With just $ 40, we can make simple hand-washing stations, such as Tippy taps and ensure that there is enough soap and water for the residents of Mchinji. It’s all about coming up with simple solutions that can transform the lives of our communities. Indeed, Mchinji is overcrowded but we can curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus by ensuring all public points of contact have enough soap and water i.e. at bus stations, churches, Lodge etc.” Says Margaret Sapezeka the Executive Director, CISE Malawi.
“CISE Malawi is at the forefront to stop the spread of the novel Corona virus by encouraging communities living in Mchinji to assemble local hand washing facilities and providing information on how people can maintain hygiene. This is a community led initiative where the community seeks to solve the challenges and compliment of efforts of the government in curbing the spread of Covid-19. You can donate online to help us reduce the spread of covid-19
The World Health Organization recommends the following measures to stop the spread of the virus;
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover your cough using bend of elbow
- Avoid crowded places and close contact with anyone who has fever
- Stay at home/self-quarantine yourself if you have fever
- If you have a cough, fever and difficulty in breathing seek medical care early
- Get information from trusted sources.
CISE Malawi 