EMERGENCY APPEAL TO FIGHT COVID 19

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.