By Kiyemba Nathan | Field Officer
ENSURING COVID 19-RESTRICTIONS AT AHCM CHILDREN’S HOME AND OFFICE TO SAFE GUARD CHILDREN
Having originated from Wuhan- China (2019), COVID 19 was seen spreading at a very high rate all over the world in a very short time. Thousands of people died, thus it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.
In Uganda, the first case of COVID 19 was recorded on 21st/03/2020 and on March 31st 2020, the President gave a directive that the country had to go into a total lockdown; all the people had to stay home to prevent further spread of the Coronavirus as solutions to the pandemic were being sought. This came with a number of Stand Operating Procedures (SOPs)that had to be observed so that the virus spread would be minimised.
As Another Hope Children’s Ministries (AHCM), we had to make sure that the lives of the young ones who are accommodated here would be protected. We had to see to it that the SOPs that have been set by the Ministry of Health in regards to COVID-19 are followed because the health of the children is our first priority.
INTERVENTIONS TO SAFE GUARD CHILDREN
Wearing of face Masks
Being one of the SOPs as guided by the Ministry of Health, the management of AHCM was able to distribute masks to all children at AHCM plus the staff. All these, especially the staff who go off premises are required to always put on their face masks and also have limited interaction with the children. The people from outside also cannot access premises without face masks. This is done to protect the children from contracting the deadly viru
Social distancing
We teach our children the reason of social distancing as guided by the Ministry of Health. Social distancing and avoiding going into crowded places limits the spread of the virus. It is true that it is us human beings who transmit the virus; it cannot transmit itself. It is not easy to contract the virus if there is no physical contact with an infected person. We further don’t allow people from the community to interact with the children; they are a threat to the children.
Hand washing
In all areas of AHCM, we have put hand washing points for children and adults to wash their hands before accessing the premises.
Story from the security person
I work with Saracen Uganda Limited. We provide security services at AHCM . Working with children is a bit tricky because they cannot be treated like mature persons. I have instructions to keep these young ones safe from COVID-19, and it starts with me at the gate. The instructions are very clear; I don’t allow anyone to enter without a face mask, and they also have to wash their hands before accessing the premises.
In conclusion, the support AHCM gets from different donors and funders has helped us safe guard the young ones from COVID-19 by making sure all S.O.P s are followed as mandated by the Ministry of Health. Ever since the outbreak, we have not had any positive cases amongst our children, and we thank God for that.
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