The business community in Eastern Equatoria State on Saturday donated food and non-food items to the state ministry of health to support its workers in the fight against cholera.
The items include 30 cartons of water, 12 crates of soda, 6 boxes of biscuits, and one carton of soap. The donation followed an emergency meeting of the state government’s health cluster on cholera response last Wednesday that resolved that partners, stakeholders, and traders step in to support the fight against the cholera outbreak, which has claimed many lives.
Lilly Hidita Nartisio, the chairperson of the Eastern Equatoria State Business community, said that their donation is to support health workers.
“The outbreak of cholera is something dangerous, and we have to fight it collectively. We have brought water, soda, and biscuits to help the health personnel when they are on duty,” she said. “This shows that we are united and we do not want to lose lives because cholera is real. We have donated 30 cartons of water, 12 cartons of sodas, 6 cartons of biscuits, and one carton of soap.”
Hidita urged the business community to install hand-washing facilities and other preventive measures at their business premises to curb the spread of cholera.
“Members of the business community should put a bucket with water and soap outside so that people can wash their hands to prevent cholera,” she stressed. “People should be hygienic and eat hot food and desist from consuming cold leftovers.”
For her part, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Magret Idwa Okuye, who is also the state’s acting health minister, confirmed receipt of the donation and lauded the business community for the support.
“Today (Saturday), we have received the items from the business community for the support of the human resources that are at the forefront of containing cholera,” she said. “This was a request because last Wednesday, we had an emergency meeting for all partners and the business community to help. So, the business community was able to donate water, soda, biscuits, and soap to support health workers, and we appreciate them.”
“I am also urging those outside there to intervene because cholera patients are suffering,” Minister Idwa added.