CSOs Benue Launches COVID 19 Situation Room
CSO-Benue
The Benue Coalition of Civil society Organizations (CSO-B) with core thematic area in humanitarian response and other thematic areas like Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Gender Advocacy as well as child protection has joined in the war against the dreaded Coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic, ravaging the world.
In a press briefing, the Coordinator of the group, Dr. Helen Teghtegh, noted that Benue State Government has already set up a committee on Covid 19. She however stated that a lot is yet to be done in the fight against the outbreak.
Dr. Teghtegh also said that Benue people are yet to take this epidemic serious, especially on the global instructions; the social distancing, washing of hands, manners of sneezing in public etc. This implies need for more sensitization.
She announced that the CSO-B launched Situation Room and wishes to commence programmes as follows:
- Distribution of Hand wash bowls with liquid soap to designated motor parks across Makurdi.
- Arrangement for a toll-free line from MTN.
- Inspection of the quarantine/Isolation center to better sensitize the public on the realities on ground.
- Commencement of sensitization in rural areas.
- Intensifying public places sensitization and to task owners of public places to provide hand wash facilities at these centers.
- Call on the government to commence screening of incoming passengers at our motor parks and entry points into Benue State.
The CSO-B appeal t o the Governor of Benue State to as a matter of urgency ensure that there are ambulances for emergency situations as they may arise. The group also calls for the government to make known the isolation centres and provide testing kits in all hospitals across the state for early detection.
While calling on citizens of Benue State to take up the responsibility of ensuring that the fight against coronavirus in Benue State and Nigeria succeeds, the Coordinator appealed to the organized private sector and wealthy individuals in the State to give massive support to the government so that the situation is forced to a standstill; the government cannot do this alone.
Traditional, religious, community/opinion leaders must be at the forefront of this awareness and prevention campaign. The statement also calls on the organized sector and public spirited individuals to assist CSO-B in this planned activity against COVID19.
