By Mariam Williams
The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has embarked on a sensitisation tour of Gambian communities, on the dangers related to the deadly Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and the preventive measures one should take.
The eight (8) days sensitization is being carried out by two separate teams, taking place from Essau in North Bank Region (NBR) to Passamass in Central River Region (CRR) North; and from Koina in Upper River Region to Mandinaba in Kombo East of West Coast Region (WCR), respectively.
The Senior Programme Officer at the NCCE, Mr. Ansumana Ceesay, observed that at the moment there is misconception among many Gambians particularly rural people who think black people and Muslims are immune to Covid-19.
Mr. Ceesay urged the communities to take care and listen to doctors and experts than ordinary people who might give misleading information. The NCCE official informed that the signs and symptoms of Covid-19 include, but not limited to, difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, blush lips or face.
As Senior Prog. Officer Ceesay indicated, the sensitisation is in line with their mandate to educate and raise awareness among Gambian citizens on issues related to their livelihood. He further stated that their mandate is not only limited to sensitizing citizens on democracy, the constitution, rule of law and good governance but on citizens general awareness on issues affecting their livelihoods.
In addition to the sensitization, the NCCE also gave out over one hundred buckets, metal stands and sanitary materials to communities across the length and breadth of the country as well as to major hospitals.
The council also prepared logos and posters and attached them on the buckets to show people how to clean their hands properly, and how to prevent themselves.
Furthermore, the tour teams also held radio talk shows in the various local languages to ensure that everybody is involved and received the message properly and clearly.
Ceesay stressed, “If you tell people to wash their hands and clean themselves, you need to show them how to do it as well as give them the materials to use.” He thanked his office staff who are currently carrying out the sensitization for taking the risk which shows that they are patriotic citizens. He described the sensitization as very challenging but he thanked the Almighty for seeing them through.
He advised people to protect themselves from the Covid-19 by avoiding shaking hands for now; regularly wash their hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid touching their faces; avoid close contact with people; and stay at home.
In conclusion, Ceesay enjoined parents to urge their children to stay at home and listen to the radio or watch television, for the lectures conducted by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education officials.
