What was the issue?

In March 2020 Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic. Since then every individual and family has experienced the negative social, economic, and cultural effects of this new virus.

When Uganda’s President declared a 42-day lockdown to deal with the second wave of the pandemic in June 2021, it was evident that there were still pockets of laxity and non-compliance to the health ministry’s preventive measures and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This was especially evident in the urban and peri-urban areas of greater Kampala and in some rural areas.

Furthermore, a significant proportion of the populace depend on word-of-mouth as the main source of information on Covid-19. They do not have immediate access to instant messages sent via other platforms like Social Media, Radio and Television. This makes them prone to misinformation and rumours. To address this, there is need for intensified use of interpersonal communication channels and informal community megaphone radios.

What did S4P Group do?

S4P Group was brought on board to improve compliance to Covid-19 SOPs at the community level through intensified mobilisation as an emergency risk communication intervention. This is meant to protect the lives of children who are the silent victims of the socio-economic effects of the lockdowns and Covid-19.

What was different?

S4P Group used social change themes to build the social capital required to promote collective responsibility for fighting Covid-19, a key ingredient that was missing in the national Covid-19 response.

What is the impact?

The exercise improved the participation of caregivers in self-protection and adherence to the SOPs while also engaging with the local systems and structures to provide lifesaving support and recovery. This is expected to lower the rates of Covid-19 transmission and allow the government to lift lockdowns quicker.