To support the state taskforce efforts against COVID-19, the Interfaith Base-Council for Peace Initiative in Western Equatoria State in partnership with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan last Saturday launched a massive awareness campaign at Masiya market, one of the most populated areas in Yambio town.

“The campaign is a long-term project that will be disseminated across Western Equatoria State,” says Reverend Elinama Jacob Bisi, Secretary of the Interfaith Base-Council for Peace Initiative.

To raise awareness levels, signposts labeled with descriptive images and messages on preventive measures in local languages were placed in strategic places along the streets of the town.

“COVID-19 is a plague that has crippled our country and the world. Therefore, we want to sensitize the communities in Western Equatoria till they adhere to the preventive measures,” Reverend Bisi adds.

The more citizens are informed on the dangers of the virus, the more they will understand the importance of preventing the disease.

“The Coronavirus is a dangerous disease and continuous sensitization to the community will help us take preventive measures,” says Bahagbere Martin Mario a member of the business community at Masiya market. 

The Secretary General of former Gbudue State Wilson Thomas Yanga, who is also the Head of the State COVID-19 taskforce, presided over the launch. The government together with partners is jointly working to sensitize the public.  

“It is not the responsibility of one person to face the battle against COVID-19, but it is a collective effort to achieve good results,” he explained.

UNMISS has been working closely with the Interfaith group not only to address the Coronavirus issue, for example by establishing an isolation centre and handing out face masks, but also to strive for peace. 

“On behalf of the peacekeeping mission, we are very grateful to jointly work with Interfaith to fight the Coronavirus,” says Emmanuel Ndukundane a Civil Affairs Officer based in Yambio. “Corona is real, and we must fight it together. Therefore, I would like to reiterate our commitment to support the efforts done against COVID-19 pandemic.”