COVID-19: Over 1600 needy have so far benefited from CSOs’ Aid

By Elias Hakizimana.

At least 1680 vulnerable key populations that include Female Sex Workers (FSWs), Teen mothers, and other poor populations from various corners of the country have benefited from the relief of Food stuffs and sanitary materials distributed by local organizations working on health promotion.

The support is dedicated to help them cope with consequences of Covid-19 as most of them are jobless and suffer from hunger with their children.

The initiative to support these key populations is in the ongoing project implemented by four Non-Government Organizations namely Ihorere Munyarwanda Organization (IMRO), Strive Foundation, Rwanda NGOs Forum on AIDS and Health Promotion (RNGOF&HP) and Health Development Initiative (HDI) with European Union (EU) support.

During the recent distribution in Rubavu District, Aimable Mwananawe, National Coordinator of IMRO explained that the project is being implemented in five districts including Nyarugenge, Gasabo, Kicukiro, Rubavu and Rwamagana.

1680 out of the 2000 targeted beneficiaries have so far got this support.

“We managed to support 1680 people so far and 320 more will be given in the next session. Here in Rubavu district, we targeted 500 beneficiaries, last week 250 of them were served and today we have served other 250. This activity was done in partnership with Rubavu district on the EU fundig. Apart from food stuffs and sanitary materials, we also give them the messages to continue abiding with the guidelines to combat Covid-19 and HIV/AIDS.” Mwananawe said.

He reminded these key populations to continue avoid unnecessary movements outside their homes and respect social distancing as well as wearing face masks as Covid-19 is still around.

This project is expected to cost over RWF 180 Million after supporting all beneficiaries.

Nooliet Kabanyana, Executive Secretary of Rwanda NGOs Forum on AIDS and Health Promotion advised beneficiaries especially Female Sex Workers to avoid meeting with Truck drivers from Goma border near DRC in order to prevent the wider community from getting contaminated with Covid-19.

“This food support will help them to push days ahead without making unnecessary movements, but we advise them to stay home and avoid meeting with cross border truck drivers in a bid to protect the wider community and help the government to fast track measures to end Covid-19.” Kabanyana noted.

Beneficiaries appreciated the support saying that lack of income accelerated hunger among their communities.

Florence, one of the Female Sex Workers from Gisenyi Sector, Rubavu district who is among the beneficiaries said that they lost clients (Men) since Covid-19 entered the country.

“Having lost our clients, we cannot easily find food and everything, we appreciate this support and it will help us survive in few days,” she said.

Nadia, another beneficiary who gave birth at the age of 17 said that she used to find food and porridge to feed her child through difficult conditions related to #GumaMuRugo/stay at home.

“Before Covid-19, I could find part time jobs around my community but nowadays the situation became worse, I really appreciate the food stuffs and hygiene materials I was given,” Nadia said.

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