What African CSO's are doing to combat COVID-19



Nelson Kwaje, a South Sudanese technologist and activist has for the last 3 years focussed on enhancing trust between communities. 211 checkfact checks COVID-19 misinformation, creating awareness of this in communities and enabling calming down if required.  DEFYHATENOWhas trained 500 journalists, youths, activists in hate speech mitigation techniques in South Sudan, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Sudan. (There is a live demonstration of both technologies on the chat). Aware that not everyone is on-line, initiated 'Voice Post' which uses (blue) bicycles to raise awareness of COVID-19, cycling 15-20km per day through villages using a megaphone. He is happy that digital media has become the most widely medium to convey information now. He recommends the facebook COVID-19 information centre.

Alfred Sigo leads Pwani Youth Network, a grassroots based CBO in 3 coastal counties of Kenya. Involved in mask distribution with the Dept. of Health, demonstrating proper use and disposal of masks. Hold on-line campaigns with hand washing demonstrations, social distancing, advising people to stay at home. Have set up hand washing points. Murals/graffiti to be used as education material. There is a network of CSO's supporting the County Government. It helps identify families needing support. A quick response team set up with volunteers distributing food. Have also identified COVID-19 hotspots like the ferry crossing point and helped install sanitizing booths. Congestion at ferry has reduced. Everyone given facemasks. Mombassa county has set up a specific ward for COVID-19 patients. A separate quarantine centre has also been set up at a local polytechnic. Please read this BLOG on Youth and COVID-19 response

Nebo Collins is Executive Director at New Centre Initiative in South-Eastern Nigeria.  It uses media stations, social media platforms like whatsapp and twitter, also phone people directly in sensitising the need to stay at home. #NoToUnemployment and South-Eastern Nigeria network on COVID-19 are two examples. The Government has a soft lockdown in place so support industries like drug sellers can go to market.  People in rural communities have been sensitised on washing, not to touch face etc. His CBO makes the Government aware of on-the ground situation. Nebo encourages the International Community to keep up the good work they are doing. More information on Government reporting of COVID-19 can be found at facebookand on twitter.

Varney Teddy Wilson from Liberia would like to share the following BLOG The realities of Liberian Children in a crisis period

The show can be viewed here

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