The Liberia National Red Cross (LNRCS) has started the distribution of food and non-food items to people least able to access them and most impacted by the loss of income and support as a result of Covid-19 in Montserrado and Margibi Counties.

The organisation is targeting 352 people with special needs, including people with disabilities and orphans from seven institutions, with the distribution of rice, vegetable oil, toothpaste, hygiene pads, bath soaps, bleach, jerrycans, and handwashing buckets.

In a press statement, the Coordinator of Community Engagement and Accountability, Madam Mary-Anne Swope, stated that Covid-19 is having a deep impact on communities, creating socioeconomic hardship and further worsening existing humanitarian needs. However, the most vulnerable people are already struggling and could be at even greater risk if nothing is done to address their pressing needs.

Swope added that while the Red Cross is promoting handwashing and best hygiene practices, and sharing prevention information, it is also prioritising and critically looking at other needs, including food distribution, that are urgent and cannot be ignored.

The institutions that benefitted from the distribution include the School for the Deaf and Dumb in Virginia, Khantan Children Village in Brewesville, Hope in God Orphanage in Barnesville, United Blind Association along the LPRC Road, and the Peter Sayklon Orphanage in Kakata, among others.

The Red Cross believes food is absolutely essential and a life-saving necessity, and its major concern is to support and ensure that lives are saved and communities protected.

Source: The New Dawn

Photo source: Erik Cleves Kristensen