By Alim | Project Leader
COVID-19 is a catastrophe whose impact is global and nations are still battling with it. Cameroon’s Far North Region is not exempted from this pandemic. To this regard, EFA Cameroon with the financial aid of GlobalGiving came up with a strategy to reach out to the most vulnerable populations in some remote areas of the Far North Region. Context/Justification: Tokombere in Mayo-Sava and Mokolo in Mayo-Tsanaga were prioritized due to the fact that most efforts to prevent the spread of the virus seem to be concentrated in urban centers. It was realized that the zones in question do not have access to information and are therefore more susceptible to contact and transmit the virus due to lack of information.
Using community radio stations for reach out on COVID-19 preventive measures in Tokombere in Mayo Tsanaga and Mayo Sava. Objective: the objective of the activity was to raise awareness among the populations in remote areas who are more vulnerable and almost neglected as far as the pandemic is concerned through community radio stations in order to touch a larger population and minimize risks of infections Strategy: Two Community radio stations were used as sensitization medium because they are listened to by everybody in the divisions. These are: ‘‘SEMENCES DE VIE’’ (frequency 103.9 MHZ) in Tokombéré, Mayo Sava and ‘‘ECHOS DES MONTAGNES’’ (frequency 95.8 MHZ) in Mokolo, Mayo-Tsanaga. Debates and question and answer sessions were done in various local languages, French and English. Activities: activities to implement this project were carried out as follows: - An authorization was obtained by EFA Cameroon from the administrative authorities of the two zone. - T-shirts and gadgets were printed for visibility and hygiene and sanitation items (soap, hydro-alcoholic hand sanitizing gel…) were procured. - Two medical doctors from district hospitals in both zones were recruited for expertise. - During radio sessions, debates were carried out and questions were asked to the public who called in and answered. Listeners who called and responded correctly to questions were awarded gadgets, soap, hand sanitizers and T-shirts. This was aimed at testing the level of awareness on the pandemic and further sensitization of more people.
A total number of 40 people (19 men and 21 women) were directly involved in the two-day program and were given prices for active participation during the question and answer sessions. The initiative was applauded by the medical doctors traditional and administrative authorities: this is an indication that the impact was great as an estimated 100.000 other people were sensitized in the communities. Community leaders and populations appreciated EFA Cameroon for the concern expressed towards them through the activity and EFA Cameroon is grateful to GlobalGiving for continually trusting her to reach out to the vulnerable groups of people.
ANNEXES
I- Questionnaire Guide for the Radio Sessions on COVID-19
By Alim | Project Leader
By Alim | Project Leader
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