Western Regional Minister commends Shout Africa Foundation for coronavirus initiative

Western Regional Minister, Dr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah has commended Shout Africa Foundation; a Public Health Advocacy and Non-profit organisation, for taking the initiative to deepen knowledge on COVID 19 preventive measures in the region.

In his endorsement for the campaign dubbed; “Western Region Shout Covid 19 Out”, [#WRShoutCovid19Out], which has been launched by the organisation, the Minister stressed on the need for Civil Society Organisations and communities to support government fight the novel coronavirus.

He admonished the public, and most specifically residents of the Western Region, to adhere strictly to the preventive measures suggested by the World Health Organisation and the Ghana Health Service, so they could curb the spread of the virus.

So far the Western Region has recorded 9 cases of COVID 19, with the capital; Sekondi Takoradi recording the highest infection rate (7 cases).

Public Relations Officer for Shout Africa Foundation, Maxlyn Chelsy Sey indicated that the non-adherence to social distancing has been identified as a major threat to the fight against this disease. She noted that the organisation is partnering the Regional Coordinating Council, Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies, Traditional authorities, organisations, community volunteers and other I treat groups to enculturate the public on recommended social behaviours and personal hygiene that could fight the pandemic.

She said the project has a three month life span, beginning May 2020, and will reinforce efforts taken by government in fighting the pandemic.

“For starts”, Ms. Sey emphasized that the campaign, “will be concentrating our markets because that is where the risk of spreading the virus is high”

The Shout Africa Foundation upon several engagements with market folks and research realized that for the region to win the fight against COVID- 19, our market folks need to understand how threatening the virus is to our lives and society. We realised that adherence to social distancing is a big problem in our various markets,- all in the quest for survival. The President rightfully indicated during the state of the nation’s address that the economy can easily be revived but he can’t bring people back to life. You and I can do our best to protect ourselves but anything can happen when we go for grocery shopping or visit the market. So education is the key” she noted.

She added that their campaign team comprising of medical professionals and other trained volunteers, will take on a more person-to-person approach, and visual materials to educate people about the virus.

”This will be done by our awareness and advocacy campaign project (WRSHOUT COVID-19 OUT) awareness across community markets with the help of our trained volunteers and other medical practitioners about the virus. This campaign will thoroughly educate the members of the communities about the virus and its mode of transfer from person to person” she said.