Forging ahead amid challenges, CDTY Taskforce on Covid-19 is determined to make a difference
The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio in May this year launched a taskforce committee for corona virus with an aim of creating awareness in the community at the grassroots level in the diocese. The first case of the virus in the Republic of South Sudan, was reported 5th April and as of July 23rd, a total of 2,258 cases have been confirmed with 45 deaths related to the Virus.
According to the chairperson of the committee Rev.Fr. Victor Babie, the taskforce is doing the best it can to fulfil its mandate amid challenges especially lack of adequate resources.
“I have received some training at least twice, from UNICEF and World Vision. We are already actively involved in risk communication and awareness. I go to the radio station twice a week for a talk show alongside Dr. Gbono John (Tuesdays and Thursdays). On Fridays other members of the taskforce go to the radio. We have also involved some priests,” Fr. Babie explained. Radio has remained the most reliable means of communications during this time of pandemic.
Fr. Babie who is also the head of Diocesan Wellness Health Emergency Taskforce express that the Covid-19 taskforce is currently working in collaboration with World Vision International (WVI) and that their next plan is community engagement.
“We have already formed the covid-19 Taskforce in some parishes some of which include: Yabua, Gangura, Sakure and Basukangbi with the help of the parish priests. I have conducted awareness and training in three parishes, Yabua, Gangura and Maridi.”
The team has also received some sanitary buckets from Catholic Medical Missionary Bereau (CMMB) which they gave to some parishes and institutions around. At the same time, they also received a donation of 240 face masks from Inter church committee (ICC) which they intend to distribute to parishes as well.
“I have written a small concept paper to WVI to train the clergy and religious in Eastern Deanery. We pray it goes through. Every Monday we hold Covid-19 online meetings with the different actors in the state.”
Among the challenges the taskforce is currently facing includes lack of facilitation for the team to be able to carry out their responsibilities effectively. They also lack proper means of transport to go to other parishes and conduct training and awareness; another challenge is that some members of the taskforce are not so much committed and more often than not do not turn up for meetings, as such there are only four active members. Another major challenge which might in the long run hinder the efforts being made is that many people have not taken the Corona virus seriously as a killer disease therefore continue to act normal without regards to precautionary measures being advocated, despite the efforts being made.
“People are busy going about their normal routine businesses as though there is no Corona virus. Am afraid if it finds its way down here, many of our people would be affected,” Fr. Babie expressed fear adding that there is need for if it were possible to conduct training and awareness in in all the 35 parishes and all over Western Equatoria State, there could be some deem of hope.
However the taskforce is not relenting in its efforts. The good news is that up to now there are only four confirmed cases of the virus in Yambio and no contacts of these diagnosed with the same. All the four have recovered and been discharged from the hospitals. Since there are no testing facilities in Western Equatoria State, then no one knows the fate of Covid-19!
