EMERGENCY APPEAL TO FIGHT COVID 19

While the focus on the COVID-19 pandemic is gradually fading in many communities, its impact has imparted lasting lessons on Liberia that continue to bring benefits. The practice of precautionary measures has transformed into valuable health habits, contributing to the prevention and alleviation of various illnesses. Among these measures, the simple act of handwashing has emerged as a critical practice that not only curbs the spread of germs and bacteria but also aids in preventing malaria and typhoid fever.

During the period under review, Camp for Peace Liberia amplified its awareness campaign, particularly emphasizing the importance of handwashing and community cleanliness to combat malaria and typhoid in 10 communities. These campaigns aimed to educate community members about the advantages of hand hygiene and maintaining clean surroundings. The voices of community leaders and beneficiaries echoed these sentiments during our interactions.

"Though I don't wish for a situation like COVID-19 to recur, the lessons we've learned have transformed our habits, prompting us to regularly wash our hands. Since adopting this practice, my family and I have noticed a reduction in malaria cases. We extend our gratitude to Camp for Peace Liberia. Tokpa"

"Previously, I was unaware that routine handwashing is among the most effective preventive measures against diarrhea, malaria, and typhoid. While the impact of COVID-19 was negative, one of the invaluable lessons we've gained is the significance of hand hygiene. This practice has now become a part of my routine and has greatly contributed to my overall health. Many thanks to Camp for Peace Liberia and its partners. Ben"

"I appreciate the extensive awareness and education efforts you've undertaken. Even in dire circumstances, positive outcomes can emerge. One such positive outcome from COVID-19 is the adoption of hygienic practices, which have become a standard part of our lives. We're committed to continuing to wash our hands and educate others about the dangers of COVID-19. Yamah"

Consequently, during the period under review, we erected five handwashing stations in ten communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and sponsors whose support contributed to the success of this achievement. The enduring impact of these initiatives underscores the positive transformation brought about by leveraging the lessons of COVID-19 for the betterment of public health in Liberia.

As the world begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to continue educating and informing communities about the risks associated with the virus and the necessary precautions to take to prevent its spread.

To address this need, during the period under review, we carried out a post-COVID-19 awareness campaign in our community. Our campaign was involved distributing informational materials such as brochures and posters, holding public seminars and online webinars, and conducting door-to-door visits to households to provide information about the virus.

Our campaign also focused on providing information on the COVID-19 vaccine, its safety and efficacy, and the importance of vaccination in protecting oneself and the community.

Overall, the post-COVID-19 awareness campaign was successful in raising awareness about the virus and its impact on society. It also encouraged people to continue taking preventive measures such as practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated to help prevent the spread of the virus.

As we move forward, we will continue to monitor the situation and adapt our strategies to address the changing needs of our community.

Links:

• Camp for Peace Liberia

With the general support of all of you, Camp for Peace Liberia reached out to approximately 500 rural dwellers with public awareness of the danger of COVID-19.  These awareness sessions provided an opportunity for us to explain preventive measures in hygiene practices.  We also trained 25 Community Health Advisors CHA on preventative care in seven communities.  Camp for Peace Liberia also provided 200 locally produced food packages to help rural dwellers with their food and nutritional needs as they transition after the pandemic.  This local food is produced by Camp for Peace Liberia Agriculture Vocational Program.  Thanks to our many supporters for their enormous contribution to making this project a success,

During one of our outreach and working session, a beneficiary of our COVID Relief made this strong statement, "No die, no rest," which means in our local language that as long as you live, there will be a problem. Deepening further to the meaning of this statement, he suggests you should keep your head up and build resilience in the face of challenges and constraints. Narrowing this statement further to the COVID situation means that as long as COVID 19 remains, we must continue fighting it at all costs.

For the past six to seven months, it seems as though COVID 19 has disappeared, but in reality, it is still around. People are still getting sick and dying from this deadly disease, and some people continue to live in denial, pretending that there is nothing like COVID. They perpetuate conspiracy theory that discourages others from being vaccinated.
During the period under review, we carried awareness massively in 86 communities, informing villagers to continue wearing their masks, thoroughly wash their hands and observe the distance, especially people who are not vaccinated. We told them that the COVID 19 was still around and killing people. Out of our outreach and awareness session, 1,200 received our messages regarding COVID 19 and its conspiracy theories that discourage people from taking their vaccines. As a result of our awareness, 250 people were vaccinated. Additionally, over 500 more have agreed to do their vaccines whenever available.

Also, during the period under review, our COVID 19 emergency response team distributed 500 packages of food to vulnerable groups, including the blind, deaf, those with disabilities, and the homeless and vulnerable youths. It is no secret that COVID 19 has dramatically affected the world economy and shattered families. Many are still struggling to settle in their homes even though the COVID 19 pandemic is gradually slowing down.

In the word of one of our partners, "We're glad that we can help vulnerable population settle back into their communities and to have a start-up mean for their families. The consequences of the pandemic require that those who have means of helping to double up their effort and join forces to bring this common enemy to closure and help people return to normalcy" (Julie).

We want to use this medium to thank everyone who contributed to our COVID 19 relief fund, which increased our awareness by reaching out to 86 communities, serving 1,200 people, shifting the mindset of 250 people to take vaccines, and distributing over 500 packages of food to the vulnerable population. Without your contribution, we would never achieve what we achieved. Thank you so much!

"If we all abide by the health regulations and advise, we stand very strong in defeating COVID 19 from our community - this must be a collective effort that requires no exemption. You either be for or against" - Moses- One of our influential community leaders made this statement during an outdoor awareness.

During the period under review, we conducted massive awareness about the unweaving surge of COVID 19 in many parts of our region. The awareness was focused on the outbreak and rapid spread of the Omicron Variant. We encouraged community members to continue wearing their masks, wash their hands regularly and adequately, avoid crowded places, stay isolated when sick, and report strange cases to health officials. We went deep down to some of the most unreachable communities where a vehicle cannot reach. Our awareness also emphasized the need for people to take the COVID 19 vaccines. Our team encouraged community dwellers to muster the courage for the vaccines, which is the only safer way of protecting themselves.

Approximately 500 community members participated in our community outreach during the period under review. Most of them promised to take the message to their local communities and educate families and friends on the danger of COVID 19 and how to protect themselves. As a result of our intervention, many community members have begun washing hands, avoiding touching, and promised to do their vaccines whenever it is available.

"We were told that the COVID 19 Vaccines can kill that when a man takes the vaccines, he will not function any longer and that when a woman takes the vaccines, she will not bear children any longer and that when children take the vaccines, their brain will get damaged. Today we are happy that you people came to talk to us and tell us the real truth. Now we know that all the things people have been saying about vaccines are false and misleading. Thank you, people, for these messages" Kubo. A local leader was making these strong revelations regarding the myth of the COVID vaccines. We disproved some of the myths during the period under review, as you heard it. Community people have promised to practice all safety measures and take their vaccines.

Sharing these shacking stories in a zoom meeting with some of our partners, one of them said, "What a shocking moment to hear that people continue in denial of this dangerous infectious disease. I am so grateful that our donation to Camp for Peace Liberia is shifting the tale positively in that part of the world" Valerie.