By Agency Reporter
Mr Abubakar Kende, Secretary General, Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), has advised Nigerians to adhere strictly to government’s directives toward preventing the spread of the Coronavirus.
He said Nigerians should adhere to all directives in containing the spread at all times, including staying at home and observing optimal personal hygiene.
Kende, who spoke at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja, urged Nigerians to imbibe good hygiene and observe measures recommended by the Federal Ministry of Health.
He said the association had been mobilising its volunteers to support the efforts of the Federal Government and the affected states.
“Following the first confirmed case in Nigeria, the Nigerian Red Cross Society trained and mobilised 100 volunteers in Lagos and Ogun states for intense mass mobilisation to create awareness on preventive measures.
“We also created awareness through radio jingles, live radio shows, distribution of flyers, sensitisation in religious centres, markets, motor parks and streets. We did this for two weeks.
“As we all are aware, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 135 at as at March 31, and still counting.
`There is an urgent need for the NRCS to scale up her response in all the affected states and neighbouring states.
“Thus, the NRCS is planning to scale up her response to 20 states, including the Federal Capital Territory,’’ he said.
The official said that the association, as an auxiliary to the government, would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Ministry of Health on areas like risk communications and mass sensitisation.
Other areas include community engagement, hygiene promotion, psycho-social support, contact tracing and active surveillance.
The official listed other areas of cooperation to include mass care, Ambulance services, evacuation and burial, support for IDPs, old people, persons with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children.
The NRCS called on donor agencies, international agencies as well as public-spirited Nigerians to partner with the association to scale up the fight against COVID-19, especially via the stay-at-home order.
“The NRCS will be willing to receive support in cash, food and non-food items, including household items, local food and ingredients, ambulances, personal protective equipment (PPE), radio and television air time.
“Please, contact the Nigerian Red Cross Society for partnership today so that together, we can help save lives,’’ he pleaded to Nigerians.
(NAN)
