Amref launches phase 2 of behavioral change campaign to boost Covid fight

Phase II will focus on Kampala and Wakiso districts, which according to Amref Country Manager Uganda Dr Patrick Karugusi, are the hotspots for the spread of the coronavirus.

Phase I was in Kampala and Kyotera districts.

According to Kagurusi, they are aiming at reaching 6.5 million people in Uganda “by implementing activities geared towards mitigating long-term effects of Covid-19” on the country’s public health.

This will be through boosting awareness on vaccination, personal hygiene and WASH programs.

During the launch held at Growers Playground in Nabukalu Zone, Bwaise Parish in Kawempe Division, the country manager noted that Amref aims at reaching “about 75 million people in East Africa ''. Amref operates in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Amref Country Manager Uganda Dr Patrick Karugusi speaking at the launch Pulse

The behavioural change coalition is made up of Amref, Population Services International (PSI), UKAID and Unilever. PSI and Amref are the implementing partners.

Kagurusi thanked the different partners, including government entities like the Ministry of Health and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) that have embraced the campaign.

“Covid is still active and still here with us,” he said. “People are not wearing masks.”

He noted that reopening of schools for the third term in the coming weeks makes the awareness campaign launch timely.

The launch was graced by groups in Kawempe Division like Kazo Angola Kuteesa Development Group, Gagawala Women Group and Platinum Talent Bwaise which exhibited tools that are important for improving hygiene and sanitation.

Speaking at the event, Nabukalu Zone LCI Chairperson Henry Kungu thanked Amref for the multiple initiatives it has come up with to help in fighting Covid-19 in the area since the outbreak in 2020.

Kawempe Division Deputy Mayor Badiru Bakoja said Amref has not only supported the area in the health sector, but also “provided seed capital and upskilled people in sustainable living.”

He said the non-profit is “doing work of the Division health department which is resource constrained.” He added: “We implore leaders to be very supportive in all activities we engage in… We call more NGOs to continue assisting.”

According to PSI Country Representative in Uganda Paul Masson, the behavioural change campaigns have so far reached “317000 on social media since June.” He also noted that they are working with various influencers in different sectors, including the Buganda Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga.

He hailed the UK government, which is funding the initiative through he Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, saying: “none of this would be possible without the support of the UK government.”

KCCA Manager for Health Inspection Henry Kauma said the Coalition “has really complemented our efforts as government.”

Kauma, who said that the phase II launch is timely, revealed that of the 170 cases that were recently announced across the country, “Kampala contributes about 40% and the Kampala Metropolitan area contributed 79% of these cases.”

He also observed there is “a reduction in risk perception” because most people “tend to perceive [themselves] at risk” when they see someone dying.

Dr Richard Kabanda, a health specialist from the health ministry, said this phase of the campaign “should be centered on some of the key experiences” that have been observed since 2020.

Dr Richard Kabanda, a health specialist from the health ministry, speaking at the event Pulse

He also said that over 50% of the population has had the first dose and thanked the partners that have “supported most of our health programs.”

He urged Amref to take an “integration” approach so that many diseases are covered during phase II of HBCC.

He advised people to continue “distancing themselves from shaking hands, whether covid is here or not because it helps in preventing a lot of diseases”

He endorsed the campaign approach because of its multiplier effect, which is stimulated by social media and word of mouth. Away from social media, they are using billboards, radio and TV mentions, talk shows, door-to-door campaigns, public address systems, documentaries, meetings and so on.

The UK Ambassador to Uganda Kate Airey said that her government has injected £1.4 billion in the fight against Covid-19 globally and of this, £20 million has been given to Uganda.

UK Ambassador to Uganda Kate Airey at the launch Pulse

For phase II, Amref country manager Kagurusi said they are commiting over 750000 pounds in Uganda.

Dr Elizabeth Ekirapa, the advisory council chairperson for Amref in Uganda said that the new campaign “gives us the opportunity to continue the fight” and continue fulfilling the organisation’s mission of “bringing about lasting change in Africa.”

Amref country manager Dr Patrick Kagurusi, UK Ambassador to Uganda Kate Airey, Dr Kabanda from the health ministry Pulse

During Phase II, Amref aims to tackle behavioural fatigue so as to refresh public commitment with its innovative and engaging campaign materials, it will also help strengthen health systems and WASH access, and spearhead institutionalisation of hygiene in national health agendas.

The non-profit also aims to support education to as to encourage vaccine uptake.

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