The medical section of Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three (FPU-3) serving under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has started sensitization campaigns in Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps on fighting and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The outreach programme started on Monday, May 17, in IDP camp 3 in Juba targeting mainly the camp management committee and the youth.
Dr. Joseph Ndamiye Rugazura, the Chief Medical Officer for FPU-3 enlightened the participants on Coronavirus, the current global status, causes, how it is transmitted, symptoms and the available prevention measures.
The theory and practical session involved the hygiene and health guidelines on preventing the spread of the pandemic. They were also showed how to wash hands and wear masks.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), South Sudan has registered 10, 652 COVID-19 cases as of May 17, with 10462 recoveries and 115 related fatalities. A total of 5,459 vaccine doses have been administered.
Globally, over 162 million cases have been registered and over 3.3 related deaths, according to WHO.
Dr. Ndamiye reminded them that although there is a vaccine, individual responsibility and observance of the recommended health guidelines are key to preventing infection and transmission.
He highlighted staying at home, social distancing, washing your hands as many times as possible with clean water and soap, always covering the mouth and nose with a mask one leaves home, covering cough and sneeze, cleaning and frequently disinfecting touched objects and surfaces daily as the currently available prevention measures.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jeannette Masozera, FPU-3 contingent commander, who also attended the awareness, said the campaign is aimed at supporting the South Sudan efforts against the pandemic particular through prevention.
“Health is part of safety as well as peacekeeping; you provide peace to a healthy and safer community. So, this is part of our peacekeeping duties to ensure that people understanding the pandemic, change their attitude and mindset, and take positive actions,” said SSP Masozera.
The sensitized group, she said, will also take the lead in spreading the message to make safety measures a tradition in their IDP camp. (End)