Health Ministry, WHO, UNDP sensetise the Media on COVID19 Prevention & Response

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 28 April 2020 organised a one day media sensetisation training on the Covid 19 pandemic at the NaNA Conference Hall along Bertil Herdin Highway in Bakau.

 The event funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), meant to equip the media with relevant information about the pandemic and prevention measures, was held on 28 April 2020.

Momodou Gassama – WHO Communication Officer in The Gambia in presenting a paper on various topics among others called on the media to keep public timely & accurately inform of the risks they are facing, such as potential transmission in communities and general public.

Mr Gassama said people needs to know not only number of confirmed cases or death, but also “how to”- Wash their hand correctly or use alcohol based sanitizers, showing good practices especially where there is inadequate resources, calling for cooperation and supports from whole society to do their parts.

He expressed the need for the public to observe the practice physical distancing – of at least 1 meter from each other; Observe “stay home,” confinement, curfew, restricted movement, while bringing solidarity and social responsibilities.

He said people need to know “how to” assess “risk” and exposure to the virus (understand mode of transmission, contamination on surfaces, cross contamination, care of sick persons, contact with asymptomatic positive cases in mass gathering); and how to prevent themselves from those risks, and together with communities and institutions to protect people and the vulnerable ones.

Mr Gassama further expressed the need to assess wearing non-surgical masks and how to use and dispose them correctly.

He also spoke of the need to recognize “fake” news, “false” information, and where to get right information, such as through WHO Website. 

He further said the media should educate themselves about the situation, the guidelines and accurate information about COVID19 in all aspects; and transmit messages in the language that people understand, but maintain the accuracy; find accurate source of information and validation from experts; take part in monitoring public concerns/questions and give feedbacks from authorities/experts; be a “GOOD Bridge” connecting people (including experts and common people); and STOP sharing false information.

He further explained that the media should understand national and sub-national COVID19 emergency response plan and preparedness; share and monitor how it is implemented; support public campaign platforms: e.g. hand-washing challenge, Together@home, stay home: safe life, solidarity; promote healthy behavior and good hygiene practice - make it a new norm, new life-style if it was not there before; Share life-stories demonstrating good practices; encourage people participation to join the fight against COVID19.

He also called on the media to address stigmatisation, and observe Health reporting concepts and principles – such as accuracy, factual, evidence-based, fair and balance, ethics, engaging, participatory, timely, gender sensitivity and equity.

He said journalists should set their objectives from the scratch, by getting their Single Overarching Communication Outcome “SOCO” right; and moving away from mere giving information, to get the change you want to see in your audience as a result of your communication.

Momodou Lamin Joof of  the Health Promotion Unit also presented Rumours management and prevention, Risk Communication for Covid 19 Preparedness and prevention.

According to Health experts, the COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and is a Coronavirus. It has not been previously identified in humans.  Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among a wide range of animals, including camels, cats and bats.

Common signs of Coronavirus disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

However, it is likely that some people are asymptomatic. The proportions that are asymptomatic is currently uncertain.

Many symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to influenza, which is why testing is required to confirm if someone has COVID-19. 

The disease was said to have been discovered in China in late 2019, and has since claimed thousands of lives round the World.

Due to the threats posed by the Virus The Gambia closed its borders from neighbouring Senegal, closed the Airport and all flights banned from coming to The Gambia, and has declared state of public emergency. Schools have been closed, with students receiving classes at home, through mobile phone communications.

Health Officials said 10 people has been infected with the Virus in The Gambia so far, out of which one is reported death, while some have recovered, and the rest are still undergoing treatment in solitary confinement.

Other Co-facilitators include Buda Darboe- Health Promotion Manager at the Ministry of Health.