There is a saying that ‘‘little drops of water, make a mighty ocean’’ and it is on this adage that Non-State Actors for Health & Development Ghana (NSA Ghana) recognized the need to wake up and join the fight against Covid-19. This move will not only directly help Ghanaians but the Government as well in ensuring that the impact of the pandemic on the country and economy is controlled. All over the country, activities are being carried out to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19 by NSA-Ghana and these include distribution of face masks and education/sensitization on Covid-19 in various languages.

The distribution of a total of 1400 face masks was aimed to support as many Ghanaians as possible with a campaign themed MASK UP. Though a national level advocacy network, NSA-Ghana could not just sit back and watch as some Ghanaians continued to be exposed to the virus without providing some support.  in our own small way. Regional representatives of NSA-Ghana from seven (7) targeted regions, namely, Greater Accra, Western, Ashanti, Eastern, Volta, Northern and Brong-Ahafo took charge to ensure that the distribution was a success. Each representative received 200 face masks and targeted a group of individuals in their region/district who they deemed were in dire need of the masks.

Persons living in resource constrained areas, traders, butchers, persons living with disability, underprivileged widows, beggars on the streets, factory hands, community leaders and the aged were advisedly deemed worthy of benefiting from masks donations. The recipients were from Tema in the Greater Accra region, Akosombo in the Eastern region, Tamale in the Northern region, Tarkwa in the Western region, Mim in the Ashanti region, Sunyani in the Bono region and Ho in the Volta region.

Aside distributing the face masks, recipients were also educated on the importance of and right way of wearing them, provided with general information on COVID-19 as well as the importance of observing preventive protocols.

HOFA, a member organization of NSA – Ghana in the Western region, matched the NSA donations with an extra one hundred (100) face masks. The activity was supported by the Tarkwa – Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate, the Honorable Assembly Man and the leaders of the Tarkwa central market.

In support of the 4th year anniversary celebration of Grey Masters (an organization set up for the protection of violence and abuse of the elderly in Ashanti region), they were given fifty (50) face masks in addition to hand sanitizers and money they already had to donate.

To our regional representatives and their teams, we say thank you for taking up the mandate despite the pandemic and busy schedules to help those who felt helpless.

To the recipients, we say thank you for opening your homes and hearts to us. NSA – Ghana is glad to have been a source of help.

And finally, to the media, we say thank you for supporting us on this campaign. The fight against COVID-19 continues and together we can make a change.

Author’s Note: NSA – Ghana is a coalition of non – state actors operating in the health sector in Ghana. This includes NGOs, media, traditional leaders, academic institutions, philanthropic foundations among other relevant bodies. This platform is not a replacement for any existing networks but rather to serve as a very strong coordinating platform for advocacy to ensure that the desired change that society expects from the health sector is achieved.  Website: www.nsaghana.com