Story by: Abdul-Hakim Zakaria
HERPol Africa, a Tamale based NGO is one of the few remaining organizations focused on mitigating the adverse impacts of COVID-19. As part of Phase II of the COVID-19 Intervention and Awareness Outreach, HERPol Africa yesterday, Wednesday, January 5, 2022, marched on principal streets and markets in the Tamale Metropolis.
The CIAO is a project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. Accompanied by music and dance, they distributed over two-thousand bottles of liquid soaps and nose masks. The purpose was to reiterate the need to observe the safety protocols for COVID-19; wearing a face mask, handwashing practices with soap, adhering to physical distancing and taking the vaccine.
“By protecting yourself you are protecting the community,” the Director of HERPol Africa said.
The hashtag for the project is #ITsUpToUs echoing the responsibilities of each and everyone in combating the Coronavirus disease. Renowned singer and one of the Ambassadors of the project, Don Sigli was not also left out. The artiste thrilled the people with his melodic tunes.
The float was also made lively by DJ Carlos. The floating started from Tishigu, where they proceeded to the Vodafone Head office link and stopped to distribute the items. They proceeded through Alhaji Iddrisu avenue and Aboabo Timber Market respectively for the distribution. The truck moved through West Hospital through Pagsara road to the town centre where it stopped intermittently for the distribution.
Since the COVID-19 surge, HERPol Africa has been at the forefront, extending support, sensitizing and improving livelihoods in rural communities. This include; educating rural folks on coronavirus: causes, signs and prevention; distributing nose masks, liquid soaps, and portable drinking safe water.
They’ve also trained people on making nose masks and liquid soap and have taken data on knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of members of the project communities. From 30 communities in phase I, the current phase two is working in 36 communities spanning across, Nantong District and the Tamale Metropolis (Tamale North, Central and South constituencies).
Co-founder and Director of HERPol Africa, Dr Osman Adamu Dufailu extended a message of appreciation to all partners and those who supported in whatever way. He also expressed his gratitude to those who made it a success and thanked volunteers and coordinators for their efforts.
