Wau female inmates get covid-19 relief package
By Charles Lotara
The UNMISS peacekeepers from Bangladesh have been credited for doing exceptionally sterling and outstanding job in many parts of the country. Well, they did what they do best, again – delivering much-needed humanitarian assistance, this time in Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
At a cluttered prison in the city of Wau, peacekeepers from Bangladesh recently handed over a relief package in a form of assorted medications, facemasks, soaps, sanitary napkins, and clothes to the female wing of the prison.
UNMISS says the peacekeepers have taken the motto of leaving no one behind to heart as they continuously support the national-led COVID-19 response.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, crumped conditions in prisons have been a global concern, in light of the fact that physical distancing is one of the most important protected measures recommended by the World Health Organization, along with wearing facemasks, and frequently washing hands, among other safety measures.
According to a statement circulated by the Africa Press Organization (APO), the donation was a bid to alleviate health concerns in Wau Central Prison.
Brigadier Joseph Yak, the Deputy Director of Wau Central Prison welcomed the initiative, which he says, has enlightened prisoners on how to protect themselves from contracting the virus.
“UNMISS peacekeepers conducted a detailed sensitization among female inmates on how they can protect themselves and others around them from the coronavirus and distributed many necessary items and medicines; we as prison authorities, appreciate this initiative,” Yak was quoted in a statement seen by The City Review.
Inmates also expressed their gratefulness to the mission for the health warning. “I was already imprisoned with my eight-month old daughter before the virus started spreading across the world. I had no idea that something so dangerous was happening out there. Today, because of UNMISS peacekeepers I am aware of COVID-19, the risks it poses to me and my daughter as well as how to protect ourselves,” said a female inmate.
“We don’t have frequent access to medical facilities or personnel inside the prison,” averred another female inmate, “So visiting peacekeepers have helped us immensely by showing us how to stay safe during this critical time,” she concluded.
Colonel Motaher Hossain, Commanding Officer of the Bangladeshi contingent, said she believed that everyone should play their part during this global health crisis.
‘’The fight against COVID-19 is our collective responsibilities as people living in South Sudan regardless of which country we come from,’’ stated Hossain during the handover.
In Juba, prisoners have recently voiced concerns over the risk of getting COVID-19 due to overcrowding in the cell, where following guidelines like social distancing and wearing facemasks is a luxury.
