ICRC calls for measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Somalia

[Deeq A.]

The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) has called for more proactive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 and save lives amid the country recorded 7th case.

In a statement, ICRC said that Somalia should strengthen mitigation measures against the viral disease to forestall a humanitarian crisis amid the vulnerability of communities linked to civil strife, diseases, and malnutrition.

Juerg Eglin, ICRC’s head of delegation for Somalia said Somalia is at a crossroads, where we can rapidly scale up to get information and resources out to communities and health care facilities against COVID-19, or move too slowly and never catch up.

“Speed is critical, and we are working with our colleagues at the Somali Red Crescent to fight COVID-19 from fully taking hold,” he said.

Eglin said that the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) and ICRC are racing to reach 120,000 households with information on how COVID-19 can be prevented through improved hygienic practices like handwashing with soap.

According to Eglin, nearly 8,000 families were reached with critical support this week in Somalia’s Baardheere region.

He said that 260 COVID-19 information sessions were organized this in other parts of Somalia this week, reaching about 2,600 people.
the situation in Somalia is particularly critical.

“Violence continues. Climate shocks continue. We will have to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable in Somalia, with the additional threat that COVID-19 brings,” Eglin said.

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