Maldives Red Crescent MRC says several instances of public stigmatizing individuals tested for Covid-19 have been reported to the organization.
Speaking to the media, Secretary General of MRC Fathimath Himya said the organization have been offering psychosocial support to individuals quarantined and isolated amid the covid-19 crisis.
She said that several individuals that spoke to the organization highlighted that they have faced stigmatization from the public for being tested for the global pandemic.
She added that such people are facing difficulties returning to their normal lives.
Himya said public needs to change its perception regarding the illness. She also said many are stigmatizing foreigners as branding them as carriers of the virus. Himya said Covid-19 is a threat to all and does not target a specific race or nationality and the public should instead work to practice effective preventive measures it the country’s fight against the global pandemic.
Himya said the MRC have offered psychosocial support to more than 900 individuals since the Covid-19 crisis began and that this include those quarantined at various facilities.
Himya also said MRC have carried out awareness program for foreign workers and have reached around 40,000 foreign workers in their efforts.
Himya also said MRC humanitarian volunteers across the nation have completed over nine thousand hours of voluntary service as part of their Covid-19 emergency response. She added this is a year’s worth of volunteering hours completed in just two months of Covid-19 response.
