BEING THE REPORT OF THE JOS LOCATION GROUP SI4DEV COVID19 INTERVENTION PROJECT.

BACKGROUND: The project was designed to assist the vulnerable members of the society with food items in other to cushion the effects of the lockdown imposed in the state as a means to tackle the spread of the Covid-19 Disease. Secondly it was aimed at distributing personal protection equipments(PPE’s) to primary health care center within the location.

BENEFICIARIES: The beneficiaries of the intervention were in two local government in Plateau state (Jos North and Jos South LGA), and in each local government ten people were identified and provided with relief materials, while the PPE’s were handed over to the head of nursing department of the Jos North Primary Health Care Center.

ITEMS DISTRIBUTED: Items that were purchased and distributed include: Rice, Beans, Garri, Vegetable oil, Spaghetti, Sachet Tomatoes, Maggi, Salt, Detergents and Yam.
While PPE’s such as; Hand Gloves, Hand Sanitizer, Protective glasses, Protective Disposable gowns, Disposable head cover and Ordinary face masks were also purchased.

IMPACT: The state faces a severe and acute public health emergency due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. The economic distress associated with the pandemic, health implications to those affected especially most vulnerable in the community, strain on service delivery infrastructure and the societal cost in terms of well-being could be enormous. It is now, more than ever, that leadership which can unite the spirit of Nigerians and rouse collective action is needed. The #SI4DEV Covid-19 Response Project has impacted a lot in the lives of over 20 beneficiaries by donating food relief materials to the poor in the communities, and also providing Personal Protective Equipment(PPEs) to the Covid-19 front line health workers.

EVALUATION: The urban poor and rural Nigerians live and depend on daily income for their survival, and the continuous lockdown is causing hunger and lots of other hardship to this people. Inadequate sensitization and illiteracy coupled with poverty has always lead to an increase in the fear of the spread of Covid-19 Disease as people disregard lockdown orders and continue to move around in search of livelihood. It is very pertinent to engage community leaders, youth groups and host of other stakeholders. Sensitizing the general public about the spread and effect of the pandemic. Additionally, support of this nature should cover a large number of people due to the fact that poverty has eaten deep into the fabric of our society and everybody is in need.

CONCLUSION: The monitoring and participation of the Jos location group volunteers was quite encouraging as they displayed passion for the cause and resilience to continue the response project as needed.

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