Bamenda steps up efforts to fight coronavirus amid acute water crisis in the country

After two reported coronavirus cases in Yaounde, Cameroon, Health officials in the restive North West are putting hands on deck to ensure the region is ready to combat any outbreak. Bamenda Regional Hospital officials say they have taken preventive measure to counter the virus in the city.

They have cautioned the people about constant washing of hands with soap but, in a city where portable water supply is not stable, that makes it very difficult, observers have said.

Buea, Douala and Yaounde are also hit by acute water shortage.

Puzzled about the situation, senior journalist and gender promoter, Comfort Mussa said: “The acute water scarcity/shortages in most big cities is no longer news. So when we sit on TV/radio etc encouraging viewers/listeners to wash hands regularly let’s also remember to talk about the need for access to clean water”.

“CDE & Camwater etc should be telling us what they are doing to make sure all homes n public spaces have water. Our fight against Corona also depends very much on their efficiency,” Comfort added.

Shouldn’t the provision of water not be a priority to health workers and officials as well?

Cameroon is the fourth Sub-Saharan African country confirming a coronavirus case after Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa. Coronavirus or COVID-19 emerged in China’s central Wuhan city last December and has now spread to over 125 countries. The global death toll is more than 4700 with more than 12 thousand confirmed cases, according to the WHO.

Almost 70 thousand patients who contracted the virus recovered.

Mimi Mefo Info