Mask up: 30 000 cloth masks donated locally
Research on the behavior of the virus suggests that a mask will help curb the spread and contribute toward keeping people safe.
The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a global scramble for a vaccination and a cure. In the absence of either it has fallen upon governments worldwide to impose restrictions and precautionary measures to curb the rampant growth of this insidious and often fatal disease.
Research on the behavior of the virus suggests that a mask will help curb the spread and contribute toward keeping people safe.
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In response to the call by Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the Islamic Medical Association (IMA) of South Africa embarked on a national drive to supply reusable cloth masks to the poor, vulnerable and needy.
The South Coast branch of the IMA heeded the call and in partnership with a local NPO, Sistrs 4 Humanity, approached local business and community members for sponsorships and donations to purchase raw materials for manufacture.
Fatima Moolla (Sistrs 4 Humanity) was joined by Zerina Khan (IMA and Sistrs 4 Humanity) and Dr Raeesa Adam (IMA) in managing the campaign on the South Coast.
“A local service provider was engaged and a total of 30 000 masks were manufactured and distributed at hospitals, clinics, pension payout points, schools and within communities,” said Fatima.
“It was indeed a learning curve for the team in terms of designing a comfortable, quality mask while still maintaining cost efficiencies with the limited resources available.”
Enspired Women Magazine undertook the task of manufacturing the masks while creating jobs and empowering women through the Stitch By Stitch Programme, Sistrs 4 Humanity mobilised their team of volunteers who distributed to the hospitals, clinics and schools while the IMA ensured that funds and sponsorships kept the project on track.
As the project continues countrywide through the various IMA branches, Port Shepstone is proud to have achieved one of the highest distribution figures thus far and wishes to thank all sponsors and volunteers.
It is their sincere hope that the masks will assist toward curbing the spread of the coronavirus and contribute towards the safety of the community.
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