Vol. LXXVI No 180 Wednesday 8 April 2020 Megabit 30, 2012 Price Birr 5.75

Let us unite with love; surpass in forgiveness!

See Abiy, Putin... page 2

BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME

ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a telephone conversation yesterday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on curbing the COVID-19 crisis, according to Prime

Abiy, Putin hold discussion on ways to deal with COVID-19 pandemic

Minster Office.

Prime Minster Abiy, noted that the talks focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in addressing the pandemic.

According to the Office, both parties

have also considered some topical aspects of developing bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Abiy extended his impression by Putin’s mobilization of resources to support Africa’s fight

UK funds £22 million to Ethiopia’s global leadership in fight

against Covid-19 Allocation was in line with Abiy’s

call for global support to Africa

See UK funds ... page 2

BY STAFF REPORTER

ADDIS ABABA- Egypt’s insistence on its “historical right” on the water of the Nile is the main hurdle to reaching consensus on the GERD, and not the filling and operating of the dam, according to a senior expert.

Talking to The Ethiopian Herald, Tefera

Egypt should forget its ‘historical rights’ claim to reach consensus on

the Nile: Senior expertBeyene, Adviser on Transboundary Rivers for Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy, said that as long as Egypt continues with its “historical right” stance, and that it only should be utilizing the waters, it goes against Ethiopia’s rights to use its resources, and the two cannot coexist.

See Egypt ... page 2

BY STAFF REPORTER

ADDIS ABABA - The UK Department for International Development announced yesterday of a £22 million of UK funding to Ethiopia as part of global leadership in fight against Covid-19.

In a press release it sent through British embassy in Addis Ababa to The Ethiopian Herald the embassy said the UK has just allocated £12mln. (more than ETB 450mln.) to UNICEF to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Ethiopia; £7mln. (more than ETB 270mln.) has been agreed with UN OCHA to coordinate the response to the virus and respond to other humanitarian needs in the country.

In addition, a further £3mln. (over ETB 120mln.) will be provided to support the Government of Ethiopia, according to the press release.

“This will include helping to ensure that essential goods – such as food and medical equipment – can be imported and distributed. Some of the funding will also be invested in infection control measures to keep industrial parks open, protecting people’s jobs and keeping workers safe,” it added.

The press release, which said that UK is leading, with partners, in efforts to stop the global spread of Covid-19 and has acted quickly, indicated that “the allocation of funding was in line with Prime Minister Abiy’s call for global support to Africa as it faces this virus.”

Ministry receives donations to fight COVID-19

BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME

ADDIS ABABA – As the new coronavirus disease is spreading rapidly across the world and taking the lives of hundred thousands globally, Ethiopia, in its month long national prayer commenced last Monday, has prayed for world community affected by the COVID-19, facing quarantine and for an end to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Ethiopia prays for world communityThe prayer also goes for those people responsible for fighting the new coronavirus medical professionals, caregivers and researchers.

A minute of silence was also held to remember those who have passed away from the coronavirus in Ethiopia and around the world.

Speaking on the occasion, President SahleWork Zewde said that the unprecedented crisis caused by

COVID-19 around the world is huge as no nation is prepared to battle the pandemic.

At such critical time, religious fathers are the source of hope, courage because they able to show the light at the end of the tunnel.

“We should extend our gratitude to the religious institutions for contributing

See Ethiopia ... page 2

PAGE 2THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020

NATIONAL

against COVID-19.

“While discussing the situation caused by the spread of the coronavirus, both parties stressed the importance of invigorating efforts of the entire international community, including the IMF and the World Bank, to combat the infection,” Kremlin said.

Ethiopia is one of 52 African countries that have recorded COVID-19 cases. Africa’s confirmed COVID-19 cases have surpassed 9,000, with over 400 deaths. Over 800 patients have recovered.

According to him, this is also the underlying cause for the failure to reach an agreement on the process of filling and operating the dam. If the issue was only about the filling and operating of the dam, it would have been possible to reach a consensus, he continued, but since it’s about maintaining past inequitable utilization of the river, Ethiopia cannot accept it.

With regards to the filling and operating of the dam, Ethiopia’s position is legitimate as it takes into account hydrological modeling, where if there is a huge amount of rain in a given period, the filling will take shorter time, whilst during less rainfall, it will take longer time. “This is a sensible proposal and

it is science.” So, I think they can reach an agreement on this, but the issue is not about how to fill the dam, but about them trying to hang on a colonial-era agreement.

Going forward there needs to be an understanding on the other side of the aisle that Ethiopia has the right to fairly use its resource, and any talks that are made without acknowledging this cannot bear any result that benefits all.

Further, Tefera also pointed out that Ethiopia has done its due diligence in making sure that no significant harm comes to the downstream countries, and the necessary international standard that is expected when such a dam is built were observed.

There have been a panel of international experts that was commissioned to report on the impact of the dam, and an Independent Scientific Research Group consisting of experts and academics from Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia that was set up to discuss the various scenarios of filling up of the dam.

As to him, Ethiopia’s involvement in the Washington talks is also a signifier of Ethiopia’s willingness to find an amicable solution for the process, despite its reservation on third party involvement and the partisan manner the talks were handled.

“The talks were partisan and sided with Egypt, and as the procedure of the talks was flawed, so was the outcome .”

The way forward should be to further strengthen the momentum of the talks of the experts of the countries’ as it’s a technical issue, and reach a win-win solution without the involvement of a third party.

Finally, Tefera indicated that cooperative water resources utilization in the Eastern Nile Basin, which naturally the river presents different opportunities/gifts to the three countries based on their topography, will yield better results to all of them. The presence of GERD has a positive impact on the three Eastern Nile riparian countries, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, provided that they agree to work cooperatively.

Abiy, ...

Egypt should forget its ‘historical...

BY STAFF REPORTER

ADDIS ABABA - The Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Addis Ababa expressed its gratitude to Ethiopian Airlines for “its assistance in returning Brazilian citizens from

Brazil pays gratitude for Ethiopian

BY HAILE DEMEKE

ADDIS ABABA – Ministry of Agriculture announced that it is prepared to boost productivity in order to control food shortage amid COVID-19 outbreak.

In press brief yesterday, the Ministry stated that works are already underway to increase productivity and avoid storage of product supply. Umer Hussien, Minister of Agriculture said that desert locust invasion and the current outbreak of the coronavirus poses a threat on the agriculture sector.

Taking this into account, the Ministry is working by identifying the sector in order to reduce the damage caused by the pandemic and the invasion of the locust. He also added that the Ministry has donated 1.3 million Birr prevention of coronavirus. Also, in order to ease shortage of the products, the Ministry is working in coordination with the pertinent bodies to supply products to the market by avoiding large gatherings.

As to the Minister, over 70 percent of input required for agriculture has been supplied so far, with the Ministry planning to collect over 60 million quintals this year.

Moreover, Umer stated that the desert locust invasion is expected to continue until August. The invasion of the desert locust in tandem with the virus has contributed to the shortfall of agriculture product. According to a preliminary study, desert locusts has damaged 200 thousand hectare of land, while about 3.6 million quintals of products is lost so far. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has deployed aircrafts to help Ethiopia fight desert locust invasion, Umer added.

He stated that desert locust caused huge damage on sorghum and other crops. Unless we control, he noted, it will threaten the approaching planting season. “The aircrafts and other supports from FAO are crucial to upscale the effort made to control the spread of the locust.”

Ministry working to ease product shortage

due to COVID-19

The embassy also said that senior health advisors from the UK are now working with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and the Ministry of Health and supporting the ongoing delivery of essential basic health services in response to Covid-19.

Meanwhile Gedu Andargachew, Minister of Foreign Affairs yesterday received monetary and in-kind donations from various organizations to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, the Minister received 100,000 USD from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) staff members.

According to Commander Abebe

Muluneh, IGAD Security Sector Program Director, the donation is part of the IGAD Staff members’ initiative to contribute 100.000. USD to each member states to help them fight the COVID-19 scourge.

Likewise, while the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund (EDTF) handed over one million USD, HOPE Enterprises has given in-kind donation estimated to 4.5 million Birr.

Organization for Rehabilitation and Development in Amhara (ORDA) in its part donated two million Ethiopian Birr and VSO donated 1.2 million Birr.

On the occasion, Gedu appreciated the initiative taken by all of the organizations to be part of the joint approach of fighting the pandemic.

UK funds £22...

their shares to the national COVID-19 containment efforts”, she further.

Those who have strictly adhered to advises given by healthcare professionals managed to deter the spread as well as protect themselves and their families form the virus. Religious leaders have

Ethiopia prays for... a great role to teach the people to apply all cautionary advises and convince the public that after darkness comes the light.

The current problem, which is new by its nature, seeks determination, partnership and friendship, the President underscored.

Speaking to the media Ethiopian Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew said that Ethiopia is land of many believers,

and this is the time to come together and pray to heavenly father to look upon us in His mercy and forgive our failings.

Ethiopia Islamic Affairs Supreme Council President Mufti Omar also noted that it is high time and the time calls for pray, take care of each other. “We should repent from the bottom of our heart,” he said.

several parts of the world to their homes”.

It also hailed the concerted action between the Brazilian and Ethiopian governments to guarantee the safe return of Brazilian nationals as “a

demonstration of friendship in the face of the worldwide consequences of the pandemic, reinforcing the ties of cooperation and fraternal bonds” between Brazil and Ethiopia it said in a statement sent to The Ethiopian Herald Monday.

The Ethiopian HeraldEstablished in 1943

Published daily except MondaysBy The Ethiopian Press Agency

Editor-in-Chief Kifle Worku email- kifle.worku@press.et Address- Kolfe Keranio Sub-city Woreda - 03 House No- --- Tel- +251 111 26 41 98General Manager Tel. 011-126-42-22 Fax. 251-011-156-98-62

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Website: www.press.et email: ethiopianherald@press.etFb/ /Ethiopian Press Agency/ The Ethiopian Herald

Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald

PAGE 3 WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020

Wednesday’s Team

Good spirit would prevailThree months have already elapsed since the first case of the novel coronavirus emerged in Chinese city, Wuhan province. Since that time, the number of countries affected by the virus is increasing steadily, causing over 76 thousand deaths and over one million new cases across the globe.Like many nations, Ethiopia, with fifty two confirmed cases and two deaths, is working aggressively to halt the spread and contain the pandemic. It is true that Ethiopia, in its medical history, passed through a number of dark moments, including the most deadliest influenza pandemic, the Hidar Beshita, which is similar to Spanish Flu that struck the entire world at the end of the 1918. It faced the most devastating unidentified pandemics that occurred in the form of plagues (werershigne). The pandemics have taken away lives of thousands of Ethiopians irrespective of any differences and also challenged the social fabric of the society.However, on such gloomy moments, Ethiopians were not defeated easily in the battle. Rather, by taking different measures that can minimize the spread of the pandemic, such as ‘staying at home’ and encouraging everyone to play part through praying, they have enabled to reverse the fight-or-flight situations and relieved from the challenges.Currently, this longstanding culture of the people is practiced at this challenging time. Apart from staying at home, all religious councils in consortium have declared a month-long national

prayer in a manner worshippers respect physical distancing and pray at home; avoiding going to religious institutions.No doubt, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated if we join hands and respond to the challenge accordingly, this depressing moment that have caused us enormous challenges and threaten our daily lives will pass; and we will return to our normal times.However, to see those days and narrate this devastating moment we have witnessed in our times, we should stand together to win the battle. The month-long prayer for an end to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a show of solidarity, mindfulness and cares in the face this enormous challenge that we are facing as citizens of Ethiopia and the globe. At a time of crisis, it’s important to look inwards, and look beyond the horizons to search for hope and see that it is possible to beat this disease if we stand together and deter the spread of the virus. People cooperate when there is a global crisis or natural disaster, which is how we get through harsh conditions and challenges.While the COVID-19 crisis has caused much anxiety and suffering, it has also inspired moments of interfaith unity – with believers, ranging from world leaders to medical workers, connecting across religious divides in a sign of solidarity. And it is through solidarity and good spirit that of brotherhood, harmony and initiative that we should confront the global challenge of the coronavirus.

BY BABAR BALOCH

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is ramping up efforts to increase capacity to prevent, treat and limit the potential spread of COVID-19 among refugee communities across the East, Horn and Great Lakes region of Africa, which hosts some of the largest refugee populations in the world. Living in crowded conditions, without adequate access to water and sanitation facilities, and with precarious livelihoods and food security, refugees in the region are particularly vulnerable to the virus, both in refugee camps and in urban areas.Following confirmation of the first cases of COVID-19 in South Sudan and Eritrea last week, all countries in the region are now responding to the outbreak. While to date there have been no confirmed cases amongst refugees, asylum-seekers or internally displaced people in the region, the need to be prepared is urgent.UNHCR is actively engaged with Ministries of Health and other government authorities, and the World Health Organization, on the inclusion of refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people (IDPs) in national response plans. A number of countries in the region already have exemplary policies in place that

UNHCR’s coronavirus prevention measures across East, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes allow refugees to access public health-care services. However, many refugees live in remote areas many miles from the nearest government health facilities. Others live in small, overcrowded dwellings in densely populated urban areas where they face significant challenges in adhering to guidelines around physical and social distancing.Many of our operations in the region have provided refugees increased quantities of food and basic relief items including soap to reduce the frequency of distributions and the risks posed by queues and large crowds.The outbreak comes on the top of existing emergency conditions in the region, where 60 percent of refugees are experiencing food ration cuts due to underfunding. This may be further exacerbated by breaks in the regular supply chain due to a variety of COVID-19 measures, including border restrictions and controls.The pandemic is also having a severe impact on refugees’ abilities to work and generate income. Many refugees have seen the business they run or work for, often as day workers, forced to close. Those who rely on cross-border trade have been particularly impacted.UNHCR is advocating governments to ensure refugees are included in any emergency social protection schemes,

while also exploring possibilities to provide the most vulnerable with one-off cash assistance to help meet basic needs.Schools across the region have been closed and it is estimated that some one million refugee students are currently out of school. UNHCR is working with government and non-government partners on distance-learning and digital-learning programs, building on existing partnerships with the private sector to provide online learning in Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.Across the region, UNHCR is engaged in COVID-19 awareness, prevention and treatment information campaigns, including through community groups and religious leaders, telephone hotlines, flyers, posters, bulk SMS and WhatsApp messaging, radio announcements, focus group discussions, leaflets, billboards and mural drawings.While bolstering primary-care capacity, including isolation facilities at camp level, we are concerned that health systems across the region are in need of support, particularly to referral hospitals and intensive care units, in case the virus rapidly spreads.All countries in the region have introduced strict movement measures, ranging from border closures to lockdowns and curfews. UNHCR urges these countries,

some of which have generously hosted refugees for decades, to continue to provide protection and access to asylum to people fleeing war and persecution during this challenging time.A part of the broader UN Global Humanitarian Response Plan, UNHCR issued an Emergency Appeal requesting US$255 million for life-saving interventions and preparations in response to COVID-19, of which an initial $15 million has been requested specifically for countries in East and Horn of Africa. UNHCR urges the international community to provide the requested financial support needed to ensure the health and safety of refugees, IDPs and host communities during this crisis.Babar Baloch is a UNHCR spokesperson. This is a summary of yesterday’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. For full summary please go to UNHCR stepping up coronavirus prevention measures for refugees across East, Horn and Great Lakes region of Africa:https://www.unhcr.org/news/briefing/2020/4/5e8c28c44/unhcr-stepping-covid-19-prevention-measures-refugees-across-east-horn-africa.html.

Elizabeth Mengistu (011-12 64 201)Robel YohannesMengisteab TeshomeLeulseged WorkuBetelhem BedluTameru Regasa

PAGE 4THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020

AfCFTA to lessen economic impacts of COVID-19 on the Continent

Following the outbreak and the swift spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), governments across the world are talking widely about its inescapable undesirable consequences- social sufferings and economic devastation in global communities.

Particularly, given Africa’s weak health care system coupled with its fragile economies, the adverse impact of the epidemic is enormous and severe.

Taking these into consideration, in a presentation on the economic effects of the COVID-19 on Africa recently, The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has advised African governments to review and revise their budgets to reprioritize spending towards mitigating the expected negative impacts from COVID-19 on their economies.

As a safety net, the think tank is urging governments to provide incentives for food importers to quickly forward purchases to ensure sufficient food reserves in key basic foods items.

“The intra-African market could help to mitigate some of the negative effects of COVID-19 through limiting dependence on external partners, especially in pharmaceuticals and basic food,” said Stephen Karingi, Director of the ECA’s Regional Integration and Trade Division adding that diversifying economies away from fuel-driven was vital beyond COVID-19.

ECA indicated that there was an opportunity that the African Continent could take advantage of the pandemic as trading within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is set to commence this July.

Apart from the negative impacts of the virus on the social and political aspects, its economic impact is undeniable. The shocks that it rested on the Ethiopia’s flower export industries, aviation industry, are among others.

In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, the government has been taking measures such as suspending schools, sporting events, flights, and public gatherings for days. Likewise, closing night clubs and land borders, granting pardon for prisoners convicted with minor crimes are amongst the commitments of the government.

However, the pandemic threatens to disproportionately hit developing countries, not only as a health crisis

in the short term but as a devastating social and economic crisis over the months and years to come, according to UNDP report.

Though the pandemic has made crisis on the world’s health, it has put a scar on the social, political and economic aspects of the world and on the African continent.

Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Vera Songwe, on her part said that having already strongly hit Africa’s major trading partner, China, COVID-19 was inevitably impacting Africa’s trade.

“Africa may lose half of its GDP with growth falling from 3.2 percent to about 2 percent due to a number of reasons which include 100 disruption of global supply chains,” said Songwe, adding the Continent’s interconnectedness to affected economies of the European Union, China and the United States was causing ripple effects.

She said the continent would need up to 10.6 billion USD in unanticipated increases in health spending to curtail the virus from spreading, while on the other hand revenue losses could lead to unsustainable debt.

The ECA also estimates COVID-19 could lead to Africa’s export revenues from fuels falling at around 101 billion USD in 2020.

Remittances and tourism are also being affected as the virus continues to spread worldwide, resulting in a decline in FDI flows; capital flight; domestic financial market tightening; and a slow-down in investments - hence job losses.

Pharmaceuticals, imported largely from Europe and other COVID-19 affected partners from outside the continent, could see their prices increasing and availability reduced for Africans.

With nearly two-thirds of African countries being net importers of basic food, shortages are feared to severely impact food availability and food security.

In addition, a decline in commodity prices could lead to fiscal pressures for Africa’s economic power houses such as South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt and Angola.

To this effect, Stephen Karingi emphasized the need for the continent to urgently implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as he urged African countries who export drugs to prioritize selling on the African market.

BY BETELHEM BEDLU

Economists also suggest that applying expansionary fiscal and monetary policy would also play an essential role in lessening the negative economic effects of the virus. To this effect, increasing government expenditure

and minimizing tax are advisable. Similarly, increasing the distribution of finances/ money is also crucial in minimizing the tendency of financial liquidity and solidarity of financial institutions.

Economists also suggest that applying expansionary fiscal and monetary policy

would also play an essential role in lessening the negative economic effects of the virus.

To this effect, increasing government expenditure and minimizing tax are advisable.

Similarly, increasing the distribution of finances/ money is also crucial in minimizing the

tendency of financial liquidity and solidarity of financial institutions.

PAGE 8THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2020

BERHANENA SELAM PRINTING ENTERPRISE

BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME

Since Ethiopia detected the first confirmed coronavirus case in the capital, the government has been

taking wide ranging preventive and containment measures which included suspension of flights, closure of land boarders and schools, banning public gatherings and sporting events as well as a two weeks mandatory quarantine in order minimize the spread of COVID-19.

As the pandemic demands the swift response of the government and the untiring commitment of all, the Ethiopian civic societies are showing high solidarity and readiness to work along with the government and discharge their societal responsibilities accordingly.

According to Dr. Nigussu Legesse, Executive Director of The Consortium of Christian Relief and Development Association (CCRDA), this is high time and unprecedented challenges that countries’ across the world face from COVID-19. The impact of the virus on people all over the nation continues to grow. However, the strain on developing countries is extreme.

And the effort exerted to curb the spread of the pandemic and mitigate its harsh consequence, requires full determination and firm action beyond words. In this regard, the Consortium is working in proactive fashion through delivering hand washing and sanitation materials, equipping health facilities with the necessary inputs because the virus poses danger to humanity as whole.

The CCRDA is also implementing the guidelines set by the WHO to control the spread of the virus in proactive manner and protect each member of the human power in the organization, he added.

According to him, CCRDA is working under the whole civic society’s umbrella and with the government to reach out the communities in the local and surrounding area of the nation just by framing relevant communication strategies.

“Unquestionably, COVID-19 causes an unprecedented impact on the health, economy and well-being of people living in the parts of the nation. Thus, we should join hands with the government and work together in a bid to help control the coronavirus pandemic and protect the country from its hard-hit.”

The Consortium is also working in c o l l a b o r a t i o n with the National R e s o u r c e M o b i l i z a t i o n Committee tasked to coordinating efforts of gathering financial and non-financial materials for COVID-19.

Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, Birhan Asrat, Executive Director of the Civic Societies’ Forum said that the Forum has members exceeds to over one thousand five hundred engaged in executing different activities to protect the communities from the COVID-19.

Organizations at their respective areas

will be involved in delivering necessary information from reliable sources. At the same time the organization will take action to ensure supply chain continuity to deliver urgently needed assistance and mitigate to the extent possible the operational constraints.

Due attention will be given to protect, assist and advocate for refugees, Internal Displaced Peoples (IDPs), migrants and host communities particularly vulnerable to the pandemic.

Ethiopia Public Health Association Executive Director Dr. Alemayehu Mekonnen on his part said that though, the deep-rooted cultural norms of the communities, such as handshaking and the strong social ties challenge the key prevention methods, the Association is working to aware the public through disseminating the directions and guidelines delivered by the government, the Ministry of Health, and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. What is more, the Association will keep on and is ready to take part in areas that are essential to combat the contagion, he remarked.

Civic society’s response in combatting COVID-19

BY TAMERU REGASA

As the participation of all citizens is crucial to combat COVID-19 and in response to government’s call, the number of people taking part in fighting coronavirus is increasing from time to time.

According to Usman Ibrahim, Mobilization Director with Oromia Women, Child and Youth Bureau, volunteerism can be interelated with Geda System as it is not a new phenomenon for Oromo community. The trend is a longstanding culture of Oromo people existed for long period of time.

The State has been operating in a well fashion manner through creating citizen based service program; not only to curb the spread of COVID-19 but also to expand volunteerism in the state.

“In our community, there are cultures in which people facing challenges are supported and the problem of the community is solved. Hence to strength this golden culture more and support needy people in consistent manner, the State launched the program last year, he remarked.

He stated that following the occurrence

Volunteerism to curb COVID-19

of the epidemic, to curb the spread of the virus more than 300,000 volunteers have been participating in voluntary service and they have registered fruitful results mentioning that they collected more than 100 million Birr from the community; apart in kind donation.

He noted that volunteers understanding the economic burden of some people

came to happen due to the epidemic, they have been dealing the issue with house renters. As a result, they have obtained a positive response from house renters.

Also they have been serving in distributing hygienic materials for poor of the poor community donated by individuals. Furthermore, to create

awareness about the virus, volunteers have been travelling door to door, he added.

Even if, a lot of activities have been undertaken by government and volunteers to curb the pandemic, there is still awareness gap and inattentiveness among the public, he stated.

He also appreciates the participation and commitment of individual donors.

Fekadu Garuma, a farmer, lives in Addis Ababa Bole Sub-City. Fekadu taking into account the seriousness of the case and the urgency of the time to help each other, he donated crop.

“We need to utilize the longstanding culture of generosity and supporting each other to curb the virus.”

He also underscored the importance of implementing government directions mentioning that the guidelines are critical to fight against the virus and curb the epidemic.

Ermias Geramaw, volunteer in Bole Sub City, on his part said that the effort of government to curb the virus is decisive to minimize the spread of the virus and contain it. The public should follow strictly and apply the guidelines.

Ethiopian civic societies are showing high solidarity

and readiness to work along with the government

and discharge their societal responsibilities