COVID-19

The general public has limited knowledge about this virus as it is new. There is evidence that provision of information to the general public about COVID-19 contributes to the prevention and control of the disease outbreak
The MoH therefore plans to implement Risk Communication Social Mobilization and Community Engagements (RCSM-CE) interventions to raise awareness and build partnerships in preparedness phase of new coronavirus throughout the country.

Targets

• 70% of the entire population is reached with appropriate messages on COVID-19 through mass media
• 20% of the population is reached through social media
• 30% of the hard to reach population is reached through outreaches

Strategies

• Crisis Communication
• Health Education and stakeholder relation
• Precautionary Advocacy
• Outrage Management
• Interpersonal communication
• Innovate new approaches to enhance RCSM-CE

Activities

The risk communication activities are adapted from RCSM-CE component of national pandemic influenza plan, because of the similarities in their history on prevention and control. Activities include:

• Conduct periodic KAP assessments.
• Public awareness campaign e.g. mass media (radio, TV and newspapers) and social media
• Develop, translate, pre-test, print and disseminate IEC materials in English, Chinese, local languages and refugee languages.
• Orient the mass media personnel on the new corona virus.
• Sensitize VHTs, Religious Leaders, Cultural leaders, Political leaders, Immigration leaders, Schools, Traditional healers, Transporters, Markets, refugee humanitarian workers, Bus parks and other targeted special groups on COVID-19.
• Conduct house to house sensitization.
• Conduct technical supervision to high-risk districts.