By Adama Makasuba
The Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council has said the only way for The Gambia to defeat coronavirus pandemic and restore its economic is through a mass vaccination.
Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda disclosed this as he received the nation’s vice-president Dr Isatou Touray, Ministers of Agriculture, Local Government and of Trade at WFP Warehouse in Kanifing.
The officials visit comes as the government plans to again roll out United Nations World Food Programme food package for citizenry amid coronavirus pandemic.
“It is very clear that the only way for us to beat the virus and restart our economy is through a mass vaccination program. As a participant in the global COVAX initiative, The Gambia will hopefully receive thousands of vaccines in the near term. The Council is ready and available to support the Ministry of Health in the planning and deployment of this life-saving vaccine. With an active partnership between central and local government, we can be more effective in our efforts to stop the spread of the virus,” he said.
He said “Another very tangible opportunity for collaboration is today’s food relief efforts. I believe that today’s launching of further food assistance across the country will offer some relief for those struggling during these difficult times. The Kanifing Municipal Council stands ready to serve as an active partner with NDMA and WFP to ensure that this food assistance reaches the most vulnerable. The Council’s Ward Development Committees are embedded across the breadth of the municipality and can support a targeted distribution process. The Council is committed to playing its part to ensure that the food relief is received by the most vulnerable in the municipality.”
He therefore urged residents of Kanifing Municipality that “COVID-19 is real and we should all do our part to practice social distancing, wear a facemask in public, and avoid large public gatherings.”