MDTF on Covid- 19 starts distributing citizen-funded face masks

Our Correspondent

Mokokchung, May 4 (EMN): A few days after launching Face Mask Campaign, an initiative of  the Mokokchung District Task Force on Covid-19 (MDTF), the distribution of protective items started at the Community Hall, Khensa village, some 15 kilometre away Mokokchung, on Monday.

The campaign with hashtag #iamwithmokokchung aims at stitching and distributing washable face masks for all the citizens of Mokokchung district as a long-term protective measure against the Covid-19 pandemic. About two lakh masks were expected to be produced with an estimated cost of INR 25 lakh with funding by the citizens.

Deputy Commissioner and convenor  of MDTF Limawabang Jamir said at the launch programme that the campaign was initiated to ensure that every single person in the district has mask and help contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic should the situation arises.

Jamir asserted that the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic would continue till a vaccine is found. In this connection, he urged the denizens to be self-disciplined, maintain personal hygiene and strictly follow the directions being given by the concerned authorities. He further sought the support of the civil societies and the churches in the days to come.

EAC Sentilong Ozukum, who is the nodal officer of the campaign, informed that approximately 500 volunteers from Women department from various Churches, Women SHGs, youth organisation, mothers and professional tailors tirelessly worked for this noble project.

He informed that a total of 1800 washable masks were distributed for Khensa villagers on the inaugural day on Monday. He added that they target to distribute masks to at least two to three villages per week, depending on the production.

He also informed that finished products are collected and transported to Fazl Ali College (FAC) for sterilisation and packaging before distribution.

“We have received a total of 7336 till now; the total masks received may seem less at the moment because we are in the process of distribution of materials to all volunteers,” he said.

A website has been created to give latest update and information about the face mask project, he informed. Various SHGs and volunteers also use an integrated dashboard platform online where one can track the progress of work, he said, adding that volunteers can simply request for more material or pickup of readymade masks at the click of a button from their mobile phones.

Ozukum went on to express his sincere appreciation to Dr. Vivek Choudhory, currently working at INSEAD, Singapore, who selflessly volunteered create, design and operate th website and app for the face mask project. Choudhory monitors the entire online dashboard from Singapore using the hashtag # iamwithmokokchung , he informed.