Continuing the Fight Against COVID-19

Thousands of people in Kariba district are estimated to have benefitted from Save the Children’s road campaign against COVID-19. The campaign supported by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance was conducted during a period the district witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths leading to the Government of Zimbabwe announcing a two week localized lockdown for the district.

The awareness campaign was led by a Save the Children trained team from Nyaminyami FM- a popular radio station in Kariba district, who made use of a specialized truck, megaphones and banners with key messages on the measures to mitigate and fight against COVID-19.

The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness on the increase in COVID-19 cases, promote adherence to preventive measures as well as encouraging the communities to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The campaign also dispelled misinformation whilst promoting health recommendations set by the World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health and Child Care.

“COVID-19 cases are on the rise. We need to practice caution. Let’s wear our masks, wash hands, practice social distancing and limit movements. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the best ways to protect yourself and everyone around you. You can visit your nearest clinic to get vaccinated. Vaccines save lives,” said a voice from the megaphone.

The truck proved to be an effective way of reaching communities safely, particularly during the lockdown period where movements were limited and gathering were prohibited due to the quick spread of the virus. The campaign was conducted in the neighbourhoods and markets covering Kariba Heights, Mahombekombe, Batonga, Nyamhunga, Chawara and Nyamhunga shopping centre.

Partnering to Fight COVID-19

Save the Children is supporting the Government of Zimbabwe to fight COVID-19 through the “Integrated Health, Child Protection and WASH Response to COVID-19 in Zimbabwe’’ project funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

The project is being implemented across four districts, namely, Kariba, Binga, Matobo and Beitbridge. Various initiatives have been conducted under the project which include among others, distribution of of hand washing stations, infection and prevention Non-Food Items (NFIs) to schools and health facilities in the district, capacitating school authorities and community leaders to raise awareness on COVID-19. Save the Children is also providing logistical support to enable the Ministry of Health and Child Care to conduct mobile vaccination outreach programmes which are reaching out to communities in remote areas of the districts who have been failing to access vaccination services due to long distances between their homes and health facilities.