Local NGO, LCDA donates face masks to combat Coronavirus

The Local Community Development Association, LCDA has distributed over 500 face masks and 200 gloves to inhabitants of some neighborhoods in Buea, South West Region.

The distribution took place during a three day campaign which ran from 25-27 of March in the localities of Great Soppo, Molyko and Muea.

The campaign was part of LCDA’s efforts to assist government curb the spread of COVID-19.

Championing the campaign, together with some LCDA staff and a team of health personnel, the president and founder of LCDA, Njoka Walter Laye stated that his organization could not be indifferent in the wake of this global pandemic.

“C0VID-19 is rapidly circling the world and we all are at great risk. It is time for everyone to step up actions to help fight against this common enemy. LCDA is contributing its own quota to help prevent the spread of the virus” the LCDA boss explained.

Njoka Walter Laye thus called on the Buea population to strictly follow government measures of social distancing and proper washing of hands if they must be safe.

*Buea inhabitants scramble for LCDA face masks*

Speaking during the campaign, Ngwa Randi Ayari, LCDA staff, told the beneficiaries that for now there is no vaccine. As such, humans have been considered as the vaccine. Thus, by washing hands with soap and running water, by using hand sanitizers, by avoiding handshakes and covering the mouth with the arm when coughing and sneezing will help prevent the spread of the virus.
According to one of the health personnel who accompanied the team Ebua Esia Gladys, the campaign exercise is very timely especially with rumors of suspected cases in the region. To this health personnel, the population should not only be cautioned about preventive measures. Rather, equipping them with safety tools like masks and gloves is a more effective response to the spread of the virus.

The beneficiaries on their part have expressed gratitude for the items. According to Ashu Paul, trader at Muea district market, this protective equipment serves as a wakeup call as many still believe COVID-19 is a myth. To another beneficiary, Loveline Bih, a road side vendor in Molyko, with the masks, gloves and social distancing, she is sure to keep the virus a bay.
Created in 2006 to promote community development, LCDA stands with the government and other actors in the call for vigilance and social distancing for without a healthy society, development will continue to move at snail pace.

Though the southwest region in General and Buea has not witnessed the outbreak of the virus, LCDA thinks that prevention is better than cure.