Physical Health Liberia Project #45905

EMERGENCY APPEAL TO FIGHT COVID 19

by Camp for Peace Liberia

Project Report | Apr 12, 2024
Strengthening Community Resilience After COVID 19

By B. Abel Learwellie | Executive Director

Despite the perception that COVID-19 might be waning, we continued to remind the communities of the importance of taking necessary actions to prevent future pandemics. Key messages emphasized included:

Hand Washing: Promoting regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Proper Mask Usage: Encouraging the use of masks in crowded or public spaces, covering both the nose and mouth.
Maintaining Clean Environments: Emphasizing the importance of cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Safe Food Handling: Advising on proper food preparation and cooking techniques to prevent contamination.

During the period under review, we successfully conducted COVID-19 awareness campaigns in 12 communities within our operational area. These campaigns aimed to educate residents about the risks of COVID-19, modes of transmission, and the importance of preventive measures.

These awareness campaigns were integrated into all our ongoing projects, whether health initiatives, education programs, or community development projects. COVID-19 prevention messages were also incorporated into our activities.

Impact and Responses:

Our efforts led to an increase in awareness among community members about COVID-19. Many residents continue to take the awareness seriously and act upon it for a better understanding of the virus, its symptoms, and the steps needed to protect themselves and their families.
We observed positive changes in behavior, with more people adopting preventive measures such as regular handwashing and mask usage. Communities have taken ownership of their health by implementing the recommended guidelines.

Success Story:

One notable success story came from Peter in one of the communities where our awareness campaign led to a significant increase in handwashing. Peter shared his experience of learning about the importance of hand washing through our campaign. He mentioned that before the campaign, he was unaware of the correct way to wash hands and its effectiveness in preventing the spread of the virus. After attending our information session, Peter started washing hands regularly and encouraged her family and neighbors to do the same. He expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained, noting that it has helped protect his family and community members.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

Addressing misinformation and rumors about COVID-19 remained a challenge. We developed strategies to counter misinformation through community dialogue sessions and information-sharing platforms.
Ensuring the sustainability of our awareness programs beyond the project period is crucial. We are exploring partnerships with local health authorities and community leaders to continue these efforts.

Next Steps:

We will conduct monitoring and evaluation exercises to assess the effectiveness of our awareness campaigns. This will involve gathering feedback from community members and tracking key indicators related to COVID-19 knowledge and behavior.
Building the capacity of community health volunteers to continue disseminating COVID-19 information remains a priority. Providing training on infection prevention and control measures to key stakeholders.
Engaging in advocacy efforts to ensure that COVID-19 remains a priority in public health agendas. Forming strategic partnerships with local organizations and government agencies for a coordinated response.

Conclusion:

This project has been instrumental in raising awareness and promoting preventive measures in the communities we serve. While progress has been made, the fight against COVID-19 is ongoing, and our commitment to supporting communities remains unwavering. Thanks to our partners who support us.

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Dec 15, 2023
Preventing and Preparing for Future Outbreaks

By B. Abel Learwellie | Executive Director

COVID 19 Awareness

The impact of COVID-19 may have diminished, but its consequences still reverberate through communities, the environment, and the economy. People continue to grapple with these consequences as they strive to recover from the aftermath of the pandemic. During the period under review, Camp for Peace Liberia, in collaboration with local partners and dedicated volunteers, initiated a series of comprehensive COVID-19 awareness activities. These activities were designed to educate and empower citizens on the dangers of COVID-19, preventive measures, and preparedness for future outbreaks.

Awareness Campaigns: A total of 22 awareness campaigns and one-on-one outreach initiatives were conducted across 15 communities during the period under review. These campaigns aimed to disseminate vital information about COVID-19 prevention, safety measures, and vaccination efforts. The focus was on creating a strong foundation of knowledge and preparedness within these communities to mitigate the impact of future outbreaks.

Key Objectives and Achievements:

Knowledge Dissemination: The primary objective was to ensure that communities had access to accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19. This information included the modes of transmission, symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of vaccination. Through these campaigns, Camp for Peace Liberia successfully educated community members, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their health and safety.

Behavioral Change: Beyond knowledge dissemination, the campaigns aimed to promote behavioral change. Community members were encouraged to adopt preventive measures such as regular handwashing, mask-wearing, and physical distancing. By engaging in one-on-one interactions and group discussions, the awareness campaigns facilitated positive behavioral shifts within these communities.

Community Engagement: The success of the campaigns hinged on active community engagement. Camp for Peace Liberia collaborated closely with local partners and volunteers who were familiar with the cultural and social dynamics of the target communities. This approach ensured that the awareness messages were culturally sensitive and well-received.

Vaccination Advocacy: As vaccination efforts were a crucial component of pandemic control, the campaigns also advocated for vaccine uptake. Community members were informed about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and encouraging eligible individuals to get vaccinated.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

While the awareness campaigns yielded positive results, several challenges were encountered, including logistical constraints, limited resources, and vaccine hesitancy. These challenges provided valuable lessons for future outbreak preparedness initiatives, emphasizing the need for robust planning, resource mobilization, and tailored communication strategies.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 awareness campaigns conducted by Camp for Peace Liberia and its partners have played a vital role in educating and empowering communities to prevent and prepare for future outbreaks. Camp for Peace Liberia remains committed to its mission of safeguarding public health and well-being, and these efforts mark a significant step toward building resilient and informed communities in the face of health crises.

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Aug 21, 2023
Public Health Lessons from COVID-19 in Liberia

By B. Abel Learwellie | Executive Director

Hands washing tent erected.

While the focus on the COVID-19 pandemic is gradually fading in many communities, its impact has imparted lasting lessons on Liberia that continue to bring benefits. The practice of precautionary measures has transformed into valuable health habits, contributing to the prevention and alleviation of various illnesses. Among these measures, the simple act of handwashing has emerged as a critical practice that not only curbs the spread of germs and bacteria but also aids in preventing malaria and typhoid fever.

During the period under review, Camp for Peace Liberia amplified its awareness campaign, particularly emphasizing the importance of handwashing and community cleanliness to combat malaria and typhoid in 10 communities. These campaigns aimed to educate community members about the advantages of hand hygiene and maintaining clean surroundings. The voices of community leaders and beneficiaries echoed these sentiments during our interactions.

"Though I don't wish for a situation like COVID-19 to recur, the lessons we've learned have transformed our habits, prompting us to regularly wash our hands. Since adopting this practice, my family and I have noticed a reduction in malaria cases. We extend our gratitude to Camp for Peace Liberia. Tokpa"

"Previously, I was unaware that routine handwashing is among the most effective preventive measures against diarrhea, malaria, and typhoid. While the impact of COVID-19 was negative, one of the invaluable lessons we've gained is the significance of hand hygiene. This practice has now become a part of my routine and has greatly contributed to my overall health. Many thanks to Camp for Peace Liberia and its partners. Ben"

"I appreciate the extensive awareness and education efforts you've undertaken. Even in dire circumstances, positive outcomes can emerge. One such positive outcome from COVID-19 is the adoption of hygienic practices, which have become a standard part of our lives. We're committed to continuing to wash our hands and educate others about the dangers of COVID-19. Yamah"

Consequently, during the period under review, we erected five handwashing stations in ten communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and sponsors whose support contributed to the success of this achievement. The enduring impact of these initiatives underscores the positive transformation brought about by leveraging the lessons of COVID-19 for the betterment of public health in Liberia.

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