EMERGENCY APPEAL TO FIGHT COVID 19

While it is true that COVID-19 has come and gone, and it is no longer a threat to humanity, the lessons we learned remain vivid and valuable for all of us. There is much that we learned from COVID-19 that continues to guide us in addressing our health needs. For example, during the pandemic, we learned the importance of washing our hands frequently. This lesson is a crucial health precaution because regular handwashing helps keep germs and bacteria away from our fingers. We also learned about covering our faces, a practice that, when applied, helps prevent dust and polluted air from entering our nostrils. Additionally, we understood the importance of reporting cases whenever we feel unwell. These are just a few of the significant lessons the pandemic taught us.

During the period under review, we continued to integrate and educate our community and students about these important practices. As a result of our awareness and education efforts, washing hands is becoming a cultural norm in the community. All our students now feel obliged to wash their hands whenever they leave the washroom or touch shared objects. This behavioral shift is a testament to the success of our health education initiatives.

As a result of these practices, we are witnessing a gradual reduction in the prevalence of malaria and diarrheal diseases in our community. The adoption of these health measures is fostering a healthier environment and improving overall community well-being.

There is a well-known saying, "In times of peace, prepare for war," which serves as a paradoxical statement conveying a deeper truth about the importance of readiness and caution. This wisdom is particularly relevant when considering public health issues. While COVID-19 may seem like a distant threat now, the reality is that public health crises can arise unexpectedly. With this in mind, during the period under review, we made it a priority to integrate public awareness and precautionary measures into every aspect of our programs.

Throughout this period, we continued to raise awareness and educate our community about the dangers of COVID-19 and its lasting impact on our lives. We encouraged our community members to maintain regular handwashing, wear masks in public areas whenever they felt uncomfortable, and promptly report any symptoms to healthcare workers. It's important to note that since the launch of our post-COVID-19 awareness campaign, there has been a noticeable reduction in reported cases of malaria and diarrhea. Although we do not have empirical statistics from health centers, feedback from our community members consistently indicates that the number of diagnosed cases has decreased. This suggests that the emphasis on handwashing, as part of our COVID-19 education efforts, is having a positive impact on reducing these other illnesses as well.

The community has wholeheartedly embraced the integration of COVID-19 awareness into the core of our work. One participant expressed, "We are very grateful to Camp for Peace and their team for raising our awareness about post-COVID-19 precautions, which are helping us protect ourselves from other diseases like diarrhea and malaria." (Lorpu).

Another participant shared, "In every adversity, there is an opportunity to learn and grow. Through the challenges of COVID-19, we have learned that regular handwashing not only protects us from the virus but also from other diseases. We are very thankful to Camp for Peace Liberia and their partners for their ongoing engagement."

Camp for Peace is committed to upholding the values of awareness and protection to prevent future outbreaks of COVID-19 and other public health threats. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and community members for their unwavering support and adherence to protective messages and practices.