By Andrew Magombo, MANA
In a bid to fight spreading of the Covid-19 global pandemic, Lilongwe-based non-governmental organisation, Tingathe, has donated over 200 masks to the local community in Mtandire in Lilongwe.
Speaking on the sidelines of presentation of donation, Tingathe’s co-founder who is also Programs and Operations Director, Aubrey Lindeire, said areas like Mtandire should be prioritized because of their unique dense population factor.
“As Tingathe, it is our primary interest not only to bring awareness to these high-risk areas, but also provide free masks and hand-washing soap in the hope of reducing the spread of the Corona virus,” he said.
According to Lindeire, the masks, which are locally manufactured with an African print design, are being made by the alumni of Tingathe’s Vocational Skills Program of Fashion and Design.
“We are also working hand in hand with Masks for Malawi (M4M) in mobilizing more tailors from inside and outside Lilongwe.
“Together with M4M we continue to work tirelessly in mobilizing resources meant to capacitate our tailors to produce as many masks as possible,” he said.
Maria Kawenga, one of the beneficiaries, said she felt safe and delighted having a safety tool which helps in containing the spread of the virus.
“I am happy to have a mask that is cost-effective and as business women, we are assured of our safety as we go about our business,” she said.
Another recipient, John Daudi, who is a guard by profession, was grateful to the gesture by Tingathe.
He said: “I feel protected and I am very happy now that I have a mask which I couldn’t afford to buy,” he said.
The masks, which are cost-effective, were freely given with further instructions on how they can be used and washed for further optimal protection.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), masks are one of the most basic ways of preventing the spread of the virus.
Recently, authorities warned traders to desist from selling medical supplies vital in fighting against the virus at high price after it was observed that prices became exorbitant in many pharmacies.
