IRCS members affirm to fight Covid pandemic

EM Bureau
Wokha, May 8 (EMN): Commemorating World Red Cross Day on Saturday, various district branches of the Indian Red Cross Society across Nagaland have reaffirmed its responsibilities towards humanity particularly in the fight against Covid pandemic. The day was observed on the theme "Wear mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of Covid-19".

World Red Cross Day is observed every year on May 8 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Jean Henry Dunnant, the founder of Red Cross Society.

Speaking at the programme held in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office in Wokha, member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Dr. Chumben Murry, coaxed the Red Cross Society members to rededicate themselves in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic and also create awareness to all sections of the people.

Murry, who was the guest of honour, called upon the Red Cross Society members to reach out to all sections of people and sensitise them with the knowledge on Covid -19. He also urged to provide all necessary requirements and information to the frontline workers and drivers carrying passengers.

Maintaining that Covid-19 is predominantly centred in urban areas as of now, Murry expressed apprehension of an unpleasant situation if the virus reaches rural areas as the people have less understanding about the disease. In this regard, he called upon the Red Cross Society members to create awareness and sensitise the people in villages.

Besides, Murry also challenged the Red Cross Society members to reach out to people with comorbidities as those sections need proper information and assistance. He also extended financial assistance towards the Wokha unit of the Red Cross Society to reach out to elderly and co-morbidities people by way of printing information regarding Covid-19 in the local language and also eradicate false information.

Fr. Manuel Paikada, principal of Don Bosco High Secondary School, Wokha, spoke on the theme.

Delivering the welcome address, the deputy commissioner of Wokha Orenthung Lotha urged to provide basic needs to all sections of society. He also encouraged every individual to contribute in their own capacity without solely depending on the medical, administration or frontline workers in fighting against Covid-19.

Secretary of IRCS Wokha, Dr. KZ Ovung delivered a brief report of IRCS Wokha, while the invocation was said by Kuthotso Tunyi, pastor of Tenyimia Church Wokha, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Chandeno Kikon, member and managing committee of IRCS Wokha.

On the occasion of the World Red Cross Day, the Dimapur unit of the International Red Cross Society has greeted its members and pledged to help the needy and suffering in times of need.

It mentioned that during the present pandemic, Red Cross volunteers of Dimapur rose to the occasion and extended helping hands to the people in need and along with the administration.

Zunheboto branch of the Indian Red Cross Society also observed the World Red Cross Day in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner's office on May 8.

Delivering the welcome address, the unit honourary secretary Dr. Hokishe Kiho briefed all the activities carried out by IRCS Zunheboto branch such as providing assistance to the returnees from outside the state during the nationwide lockdown, and financial and material assistance to families affected by natural calamities.

Also speaking at the programme, the deputy commissioner and IRCS chairman of Zunheboto branch, Peter Lichamo, stated that the Red Cross Society all over the world is highly acknowledged for the exemplary contributions made towards the needy in times of crisis. He urged the members to always be ready and make themselves available to help the needy.

Speaking on the theme, the CMO of Zunheboto Dr. Akaho Sema highlighted the current scenario of Covid cases across the country. He lamented that there are still certain sections of people who are opposed to the only practical solutions such as wearing masks, washing of hands, sanitizing and getting vaccinated. He warned that complacency towards the virus could result in mass destruction.

Advisor IRCS, Dr. Huskha Yepthomi spoke on the inception of the Red Cross Society in the district, while the vote of thanks was delivered by former vice chairman Hokugha Sükhalu.

Meanwhile, the Kohima branch of the Indian Red Cross Society commemorated the World Red Cross Day by visiting the Good Samaritan Old Age Home at Meriema, near NEILIT.

All the office bearers and managing committee members of the IRCS Kohima branch participated in the visitation. The team also donated some items like blankets, masks, groceries and cash towards the home.