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By Olimatou Coker
The Gambia National Commission for UNESCO on Tuesday donated sanitary materials to the Broadcasters Association – The Gambia (BAG)to support the safety of journalists and radio broadcasters during Covid-19 pandemic at a presentation held at the NATCOM office in Banjul.
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The items donated were funded by ICESCO in partnership with MiSK Foundation and included 10 buckets of 35 liters containers with tap for hand washing, 10 buckets of 20 liters containers, 25 bottles of madar liquid, 20 pieces of green jell, 20 bottles of dettol liquid, 48 pieces of hand sanitisers (big bottle),48 pieces of hand sanitisers (small bottle)1 carton of dettol soap and 5 cartons of bleach.
Speaking, Maimuna Sidibeh, principal programme officer of NATCOM, said the National Commission for UNESCO is really pleased to deliver these items to BAG.
“Like we said earlier, the National Commission for UNESCO responded to the call of BAG and provide both financial and technical support to BAG through radio campaign, roll out in 5 BAG radio members and 2 community radios that are affiliated to national commission for UNESCO,” she said.
She stated that the principal objective of the campaign was to empower local communities with the right information and taking adequate precaution as far as health advice is from the WHO and the Ministry of Health in order to reduce risk of individuals, families and communities contracting the virus.
According to Sidibeh, the organisation has also interest supporting media development in the Gambia in a bid to ensure the safety of journalists and radio broadcasters in media roles during this Covid-19 pandemic.
Babucarr Cham, vice chairperson of Broadcasters Association of the Gambia (BAG), expressed delight in receiving the assortment of sanitary materials from the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO. He said the materials presented to BAG “do not only symbolise your contribution towards good health but to fight against Covid-19 together with media sector.”
He said the protection of media workers and media facilities is particularly important. He added that precautions are necessary to prevent the potential spread of Covid-19 in radio stations and other media institutions among others.
“BAG working with NATCOM, UNESCO and other stakeholders will continue the efforts to galvanise support for initiatives that are geared towards cleanliness and creating awareness of the general public in the spirit of protection of human health and fight against Covid-19. Notwithstanding we believe that these materials will go a long way in protecting behavioural change that will help in the fight against Covid-19 among BAG member radio stations and other stakeholders”.
He highlighted that, the presented materials are only as vulnerable as the commitment they all make in taking responsibility for their actions and attitude to promote good health and fight against Covid-19 for sustainable development.
He added that, they are appreciative of the continuous support and partnerships with NATCOM and UNESCO. “We commend the secretary general and his team for the commitment given to the work of BAG particularly in the fight against Covid-19.
“Finally, I wish to assure you that these sanitary materials received will be put to good use and contribute towards positive environmental quality and human health, particularly in the fight against Covid-19.”
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