Local Community Development Association – LCDA, during a three day campaign, has distributed over 500 face masks and 200 gloves to some neighbourhoods in Buea, South West Region. The exercise which took place from the 25th to the 27th of March, 2020 in the localities of Great Soppo, Molyko and Muea is part of LCDA’s effort to assist the 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 , Mr. 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. He thus called on the Buea population to strictly follow government measures of social distancing and proper washing of hands if they must be safe.Speaking during the campaign, Mr. Ngwa Randi Ayari, #LCDA staff, told the beneficiaries that at the moment 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 sanitisers, by avoiding handshakes and covering the mouth with the arm when coughing or sneezing will help prevent the spread of the virus; he #LCDA staff cautioned.According to one of the health personnel who accompanied the team, Mrs. 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 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.
