🦠 COVID-19 Awareness Campaign
📍 Introduction
The COVID-19 Awareness Campaign was initiated by Empower Youth Prosperity (EYP) to raise public understanding of preventive measures and promote community compliance with national health guidelines. The campaign complemented the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children’s efforts to combat the pandemic and mitigate its effects on Tanzanian communities.
🎯 General Objective
To join forces with the Government of Tanzania in disseminating accurate information and promoting behavioral change for effective COVID-19 prevention.
🔹 Specific Objectives
-
To emphasize best WASH practices through the installation of tippy taps in public spaces.
-
To raise awareness concerning COVID-19 transmission and prevention within local communities.
-
To support health centers by providing water tanks for running water.
-
To build the capacity of SEMA para-professionals (paralegals, animators, promoters, CRPs) on COVID-19 protective methods, with emphasis on proper handwashing techniques.
🛠️ Methodology
EYP adopted a multifaceted communication approach incorporating both direct engagement and mass media channels to ensure broad coverage and impact. Key techniques included:
-
Radio talk shows to reach remote communities.
-
Use of public address (PA) systems and demonstration sessions.
-
Focus group demonstrations for interactive learning.
-
Dissemination through social media and newspapers.
-
Strategic placement of banners and posters in high-traffic areas.
👥 Target Groups
The campaign targeted a wide range of community members, including:
-
General public (vendors, bodaboda operators, mechanics, food sellers, and transport workers)
-
Police officers and other uniformed services
-
Health care workers
-
Small-scale miners
-
Public servants
📊 Coverage and Reach
The campaign successfully reached six districts across Mbeya and Singida regions, impacting approximately 145,326 people through direct and indirect interventions.
🌟 Key Achievements
1️⃣ Increased community awareness on COVID-19 preventive measures.
2️⃣ Strengthened local capacity through training of frontline actors.
3️⃣ Improved access to handwashing facilities and water supply in public and institutional settings.
4️⃣ Enhanced collaboration between EYP, district councils, and community-based partners in public health education.
🤝 Partners and Support
This initiative was implemented in close collaboration with SEMA, district councils of Mbeya CC, Singida MC, Singida DC, Manyoni DC, Ikungi DC, and Iramba DC, under the guidance of the Ministry of Health.