Physical Health Liberia Project #46831

Prevent the spread of Coronavirus in Liberia

by Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa

Project Report | Mar 1, 2021
2020: the year of Coronavirus Outreach & Awareness

By Sarah Jewell | Director, GPFA-USA

Liberia recorded her first seven cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in March 2020, which in the minds of Liberians, gave rise to growing anxiety of another health crisis world-wide. One major factor surrounding the country’s capability to prevent the spread of the virus was the lack of basic sanitation and clean water in Liberia. Without water, these communities were likely to become hotspots for COVID-19. To combat COVID-19, Liberians needed an adequate supply of clean and running water which most Liberians were deprived of. It is no secret that the provision of water and sanitization plays a vital role in combating the spread of diseases. The lack of water also gave rise to the significant barrier to hand-washing protocol, as it was impossible to curtail the likelihood of infections when residents had to commute between communities to fetch water.

It was based on such need’s assessment that GPFA launched its awareness campaign on COVID- 19 prevention on March 27, 2020. The goal was to adequately prepare communities to combat the spread of the virus. Our awareness campaign included several community-based approaches and partnerships with organizations & institutions to raise awareness around the prevention and transmission of COVID-19 in Liberia.

We partnered with the Ministry of Health (MOH)/ National Public Health Institute (NPHIL) to conduct emergency community health training to thirty (30) female residents from seventeen (17) of Liberia's most vulnerable communities within Margibi and Montserrado counties. At the end of the training, participants received 24 hand-washing buckets, 24 cartons of powder soap, and dozens of awareness stickers that were distributed in their respective communities. We also partnered with ten national radio stations to raise awareness using jingles that were subsequently translated into four local dialects (Kpelle, Mandingo, Bassa, Mano, Kiss.) We also partnered with the Daily Observer Newspaper to publish a press release detailing information about the campaign. Several media outlets interviewed Madam Leymah Gbowee in efforts to raise awareness of the virus.

GPFA staff mobilized residents of additional thirteen (13) communities and distributed over 500 bumper stickers, hand washing buckets, powder soap. Throughout our engagements, we raised awareness around the importance of adhering to hygiene protocols while educating residents of the symptoms and modes of transmission of the virus.

We visited various market places in Montserrado & Margibi counties and distributed dozens of African nose masks to market women and motorcyclists.

With grant funding from USAID through Internews, GPFA in April 2020 began another round of implementation of its “Gbowee Coronavirus Awareness Outreach Initiative” bearing the title; “A Project to Support Social Mobilization & Public Awareness on COVID-19 Prevention in ten (10) Communities in Montserrado & Margibi Counties. The project ran from April through June 2020 and its overall goal was to launch an awareness campaign on COVID-19 prevention thereby equipping communities with the necessary information on COVID-19 prevention and existence.

The project had women leaders deployed in 10 communities within Montserrado & Margibi Counties to distribute sanitation infrastructures and awareness messages on banners, flyers, and stickers bearing approved messages from the World Health Organization/ Ministry of Health/the National Public Health Institute.

The risk of COVID19 remains a reality in our communities. Adding to the health situation, in February 2021, an outbreak of Ebola in neighboring Guinea was reported. It is vital that Liberians remain vigilant when it comes to public health.

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Sep 2, 2020
GPFA Report

By Suma Massaley | Communications & Development Officer

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Organization Information

Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa

Location: Domah's Town, Montserrado - Liberia
Website: https://www.facebook.com/GboweePeaceFoundationAfrica
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @GboweePeace