The over 70,000 masks, 9,000 gloves and protection equipment for Cameroon prisons was handed to the Ministry of Justice Friday, April 24, 2020. The donations were handed over to local authorities by Phanuel Habimana, Representative of the World Health Organization in Cameroon.

"WHO remains engaged to fight COVID-19, continue donations and strengthen health systems in the country," said Representative Phanuel Habimana.

The donations came a day after the Government held its COVID-19 pandemic assessment meeting with statistics showing 1,430 people infected, including 692 active, 120 hospitalized and 20 on respiratory assistance. 668 people have recovered and 43 have died.

Cameroon's President Paul Biya last week signed a decree commuting and remitting sentences for some prisoners across the country; a move likely intended to decongest the country's overcrowded prisons in the wake of the Coronavirus Outbreak given that it drastically reduced the prison terms of some detainees and granted outright freedom to others.

Aside today's donations, the UN has been concerned about how inclusive and gender-sensitive the approaches for sensitization and awareness raising on coronavirus are. Statistics show that girls and women often have less access to technology and the internet compared to boys and men, says UN Cameroon.

UN Women in Cameroon has been on a campaign to keep roadside traders and their families safe from coronavirus, noting that roadside traders are some of the most vulnerable people to contact infectious diseases like coronavirus. UN Women in Cameroon carried out a one week educational campaign on safety measures to support them.

Over 200 roadside traders have been educated and sensitized on coronavirus Thursday morning in Yaoundé by UN Women and UN Dispensary. Lifesaving gifts of buckets, soap, masks and umbrellas were donated to various sales points.

“Make sure to always wear your mask and wash your hands with soap and running water after dealing with customers,” said UN Women Representative to roadside traders, during Thursday's outdoor awareness campaign in Yaoundé.

The safety awareness of roadside traders on good health and Coronavirus protective measures was preached by UN Women along with UN Health Physician.