When you’re sick, listen to your mother: go see your doctor and find out what illness you have and how to get better. If you’re diagnosed with a bacterial infection will enable the world to end the acute phase of the pandemic.
Some steps we could do in this situation
Engaging vulnerable communities
One of the most effective ways we can help combat the spread of COVID-19, and limit its impact on fragile health systems, is by building people’s knowledge and awareness. We’re promoting preventative action in communities, including practicing good hygiene and physical distancing measures, in line with national government guidelines and recognized best practices.
From posters to podcasts, we’re using a range of channels to reach people with the information they need to stay safe and healthy. In Sierra Leone, for example, we’re working closely with the government to share advice, encourage people to follow the latest guidelines, and raise awareness through community announcements and poster campaigns.
Reaching the most marginalized
Our work is always focused on supporting the most vulnerable people in society – but now, more than ever, it’s critical that we take steps to ensure that no one is left behind.
We know that crises like this have a disproportionate impact on the most marginalized groups – including people with disabilities, women, children, people living with HIV, and those in prisons, refugee camps and hard-to-reach areas. We are committed to ensuring social inclusion and gender equality as part of all our interventions.
We’re ensuring that all the messages we share are not only accurate, but also culturally appropriate, gender-responsive, available in local languages, and accessible. In Rwanda, for example, we’re working with volunteers, community representatives and partner organizations to support Deaf people across the country, by adapting accurate information into sign language videos and establishing a video call hotline.
Supporting health systems
Health workers are at increased risk of developing COVID-19 – and as well as the danger to their own lives, high rates of illness amongst medical staff reduces the capacity of the healthcare system when it’s needed most.
Frontline healthcare professionals are already at the heart of our ongoing maternal and newborn health (MNH) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programs. Now, we’re also equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need not only to keep themselves safe whilst delivering essential services but also to identify symptoms and prevent transmission amongst the communities they serve.
We’re especially conscious of the increased risk of domestic and gender-based violence during periods of increased isolation, so we are training community health workers to handle incidents, refer where needed, and provide psychosocial support.
We’re also working to anticipate, and mitigate, future challenges that will arise after the initial emergency response. We are continuing our work to strengthen health systems and advocate for people’s access to essential services.