More than 300 prisoners at Tanumalala Prison will benefit from hygienic supplies donated by International Committee of Red Cross (I.C.R.C.) through the Samoa Red Cross on Friday.

The Samoa Red Cross Secretary General, Namulauulu Tautala Mauala said that the assistance is part of their mandate which is to help prisoners of war.

“But with Samoa not being at war, prisoners are still prisoners,” she said.

She added that the donation will ensure the safety and welfare of prisoners.

“It is our belief that these supplies will be help as preventative measures against the COVID-19 if the virus enters our shores and affect our people.

“This is not the first time we have helped the prison. And our work is not biased meaning everyone is equal and we will help anyone.

“We hope that the hygienic kits such as soaps, towels, sanitisers will be used in caring for all those at the prison so that they can maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle.”

Police Superintendent, Soloi Iosefa Tuimaunei spoke on behalf of the Police and Prisons Commissioner, Fuiavailiili Egon Keil in acknowledging the donors.

“In our view, the prisoners are human beings just like us and so food and hygiene have been improved at the prison.

“This gift is important because it will assist us in looking after the prisoners.”

The Samoa Red Cross also celebrated the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day which is an annual celebration of the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The World Red Cross, Red Crescent Day is celebrated on the 8^th of May each year.

 Samoa Red Cross Society has been established in Samoa for more than 30 years.

The society’s vision is through humanitarian actions, “we strive to empower communities, recognise and address human suffering, respect human dignity and promote equality.”

The society’s work deals with first aid through courses provided: hygiene promotion by working with communities to make sure people know how to make sure people know how to keep themselves and their families, healthy. 

And keeping clean is a large part of staying healthy every day. By following simple hygiene practices diseases such as diarrhoea and dysentery can be prevented.

Blood donor is part of Red Cross’s activities because many people would not be alive today without the generosity of unpaid blood donors who give the gift of life, blood.

And also relief distribution during natural disaster by assisting the vulnerable communities by distributing relief aids, such as blankets, clothing, pots and pans and tarpaulins.