Cosoma joins fight against Covid-19

Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) has joined the fight against the spread of Covid-19 at Maula Prison through donation of sanitisers, customised pails and buckets.

Cosoma board member Charles Sinetre and executive director Dorah Makwinja handed over the donation on Tuesday to station officer Ibrahim Emmanuel Sinde.

Senetre said as a statutory corporation, Cosoma has a social responsibility to communities; hence, the donation.

“Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation [WHO] and the government of Malawi declared a national disaster to prevent the spread of this virus.

“As Cosoma, we know government cannot do everything alone, that’s why we decided to assist with these items. The way this virus spreads, prisons can become a breeding ground but with these items and if inmates follow guidelines laid down by health experts, we can mitigate the spread of the virus,” said Sinetre, a renowned musician based in Balaka.

Makwinja said Cosoma is always responsive to community needs and that is why they joined Maula Prison authorities in fighting the pandemic.

Sinde said as of Wednesday last week, the correctional facility had 2 878 inmates against a holding capacity of 1200.

“It’s overcrowded and there is no room for social distancing but with good sanitary equipment like the ones you have brought we can contain the virus. We are very grateful for this assistance and we really value this contribution. We work with various organisations to meet some of our challenges. With support from various stakeholders, our work becomes easier. We say thank you,” said Sinde.

Some countries worst hit by the virus like Iran, Italy and Spain have released some of their prisoners as one way of mitigating the spread of Covid-19.