Cameroon is one of the countries affected by the Coronavirus pandemic with its first case recorded in March 2020. Since then the virus has gradually spread to all 10 regions of the country with a total of 18,042 confirmed cases, 15,320 recoveries and 395 deaths.
The North West Region of Cameroon is not left out as the the number of confirmed cases surge by the day making a total of 711 cases, 518 recoveries and 66 deaths as of August 5th.
In this light, female deputy Mayors of the various councils that make up the North West region have put hands together under the canopy of NOWEFEMASA (North West Female Mayors Association) to combat the spread of this virus by launching a campaign aimed at sensitizing the population on the existence of the virus and its prevention as well as distribution of face mask to inhabitants.
The launching exercise was done Thursday August 13, 2020, at the Bamendankwe market upstation Bamenda. It saw a Delegation of four members made up of the President of the union, Annatou Achap Deputy Mayor of Bamenda I council, Secretary General Ngwafu Anna, Divisional Coordinator for Boyo Mbuha Alice and the protocol officer Ambe Petoline who spoke to the population and did a random distribution of 1000 face masks.
Madam Annatou Achap Deputy Mayor Bamenda I council who also doubles as president of NOWEFEMASA stated that ignorance and negligence is the push factor to the creation of the association and eventual sensitization.
“What prompted this campaign is the fact that most people of the North West region are doubting Thomas's. We have been going out and doing our investigations and most people still believe that it is a far fetched dream, while some do believe that it is a pandemic for the rich or the old thus it is needless to prevent. That is why we have decided to go to the field and tell the people that COVID-19 is real.”
“We are the mothers of this region so we have to join our voices with that of the government to see that we give our own support to fight against COVID-19.” she added.
The North West region is not only affected by the Coronavirus pandemic but a four year old sociopolitical crisis. Insecurity still prevails in other Divisions, reasons why the Bamendankwe market was chosen as the launching ground.
“We chosed this venue because it is the launching ground, taking in to consideration the crisis in the region this venue is safer.“ Ambe Petoline opined.
In response to this gesture, the market master Pa Tangie Pius expressed his satisfaction for the awareness created
“I am very delighted to see these female Mayors from the region doing this. It is a good gesture because COVID-19 is real. It is good to go closer to the population to create awareness.”
The 35 member association, NOWEFEMASA was formed shortly after the twin elections (Municipal and Legislative elections) on February 9, 2020. This exercise has been programmed to be done through out the entire region.
By Anye Nde Nsoh
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