By Jane Mlambo| A consortium of Community based organisations has challenged government to provide citizens with information on coronavirus to help protect themselves while curtailing the spread of the deadly virus.
In a statement released yesterday, Association of Community Based Organisations (ACBOs) applauded government for the measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 but expressed concern that communities outside urban centres did not have enough information on the disease.
“The Alliance of Community Based Organisations (ACBOs) positively notes the measures put forward by the government, aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19, including but not limited to inessential travel bans and closure of entry ports, screening, 21-day self-quarantine for returning residents, physical distancing and ultimately the 21-day lockdown together with additional attendant measures,” noted ACBOs.
The grouping however accused government of not doing enough to relay information on the disease to remote communities.
“A wide information gap on Covid-19 awareness and safety measures for citizens to protect themselves still exists,” the grouping added.
They further alleged that some unidentified people were moving around in Mashonaland Central registering details of community members for anticipated distribution of government aid.
ACBOs challenged government to ensure that every community is provided with adequate information that tells them everything they need to know to prevent themselves as well as playing a role in curbing the spread of the disease.
They also want government to publicly declare and fully account for all Covid-19 related in-kind and material support received from domestic and international sources while ensuring transparency regarding any engagement process with the private sector players on the resuscitation and/or renovation of health facilities to work as centres for Covid-19 cases.
The organisations also called on the government to take advantage of COVID-19 intervention programmes to address the marginalisation of rural communities and vulnerable groups who continue to be left out in critical national processes.
“Avoid using the advent of Covid-19 to perpetuate the marginalization of vulnerable groups in our local communities and instead take it as an opportune moment to reflect and address not only the symptoms but the root cause of our dysfunctional health and broader social-services delivery system.
“Ensure the provision of adequate potable water supplies in all communities countrywide in order for the Covid-19 hygienic measures to be pragmatic,” further noted ACBOs.