By Mustapha Kamara
A local civil society organisation has urged young people to support government’s efforts at containing the further spread of the deadly Ebola virus by complying with the three-day lockdown orders.
Executive director of Anti-Violence Movement in Sierra Leone (AVMSL) Bernard Conteh told journalists yesterday that they were working directly with young people. He said it was therefore their sole responsibility to ensure that young people were mindful of the dangers of the disease and to urge them to join hands in the fight.
“We are mindful of the measures put in place by government to address the ever-increasing demand of health services”, he said, adding: “we have also observed with dismay that misconceptions, denials and lawlessness amongst certain facets of society are a huge stumbling block towards the eradication of the disease”.
He said although the government declaration had some human rights implications, it was advisable and proper for youths and everyone else to adhere to it. He urged the public to be supportive and to embark on neighbourhood watch by reporting all suspected Ebola cases and defaulters of the lockdown to the necessary authorities.
Meanwhile, the civil society activist pleaded with government to continue to support people in quarantined homes by providing them with food and other basic necessities.
He said robust security measures should also be instituted to stop the spread of the Ebola virus and to maintain peace and tranquillity across the country.
(C) Politico, 11/09/14
