|
The number of confirmed cases in Congo has
doubled in less than a month to almost 7,000, piling pressure on
the poorly equipped health system. Some hospitals have started
turning patients away even as many across the central African
nation remain unaware or sceptical of COVID-19's dangers.
"Here in Kinshasa we have doubts about this illness," said
Chabani Reco, a street hawker in Kinshasa, a city of around 12
million that accounts for the majority of registered cases.
Health workers battling to stop the virus' spread in the capital
have encountered increased hostility in some communities,
including kidnappings and attacks, a government committee warned
in May.
After decades of perceived misrule, the political elite is seen
by many as corrupt and untrustworthy.
To help counter the mistrust, a group of 10 artists has painted
the wall around the capital's Academy of Fine Arts with 12
murals illustrating the need for people to take action.
Some rework religious motifs, while others are splashed with
bright colours to draw people's attention. In one section,
people bump elbows in greeting, in the background the virus is
locked behind the bars of a jail cell.
Prisca Tankwey's contribution depicts six wooden statues, iconic
symbols from Congo's pre-colonial culture, washing their hands
and performing other tasks to guard against the disease.
A nkisi-nkondi, an idol whose protective spirit is said to be
activated by hammering a nail into its body, is shown donning a
mask.
"That is the main message, the message of protection," Tankwey
said, applying the last dabs of paint.
(Writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
[© 2020 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2020 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
