The full engagement of the public and leaders in the communities are required to ensure that we end the transmission of the coronavirus. The Red Cross Society of Seychelles, RCSS, is encouraging the communities to come forward and help in the fight against the virus. We need to ensure that all partners, resources and assets are aligned and working together to support each other to prevent infections and save lives.
During the last two months, December 2020 to January 2021, the National Society has assisted (50) families; people from different walks of life who have been affected by the virus, out of which six (6) are on hold pending further investigations.
We have found out that of those assisted, most of them are/were casual workers and were in one way or another benefitting from social assistance, a quarter is self-employed, and another similar percentage are unemployed. More than half of those affected have had their livelihoods affected and have no other means to support their families. Livelihoods which are vital means of making a living. It encompasses people’s capabilities, assets and activities required to secure the necessities of life.
The RCSS noted that the effects and impacts of the COVID-2019 crisis worldwide, which was initially considered a public health crisis, is having and will continue to have a much broader impact on the global economy predictably for a long term, leading to worldwide socio- economic disruptions. It will diminish the well-being and livelihoods of people, as well as undermined the social nets, markets and food security on which life depends. Seychelles like so many other countries is feeling the effects and impacts now. What is important to note is that both lives and livelihoods are at risk from this pandemic.
The RCSS, with the assistance of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other local partners are trying to limit the effects and impacts; but communities need to come together to help fellow citizens to be more resilient and to lend a helping hand. To be empowered to act, people also need opportunities to participate in the response to COVID-19, to build ownership and help identify locally appropriate and community-centred solutions. This is what the RCSS is advocating for; how best can we engage the community so that they can act and build stronger, more resilient members, leaders, youth, etc… We are all in this together.
