When the COVID-19 virus reached Zimbabwe in March 2020, UNICEF responded by supporting a number of emergency initiatives including the funding of Africa AHEAD to lead the Preparedness and Response Project with a local NGO based in Matebeleland called Moriti Oa Sechaba.
Activities started this month in 6 districts , including Plumtree, 100 kms south east from Bulawayo near the border with Botswana, where previous community led interventions have proven to be well supported.
Local leaders indentified 10 Community Health Volunteers who have now been trained on Covid 19 Infection Prevention and Control, who are tasked to lead the hygiene promotion campaign to prevent the spread of Covid 19.
To address lack of hygiene resources, 490 hygiene kits were distributed to the most vulnerable households, reaching an approximated 2500 individuals. Identification of the most vulnerable was an inclusive process, with the participation of department of social services, local leaders and community volunteers.
To boost moore frequent handwashing by the general public and staff, foot-operated handwashing stations, designed by Africa AHEAD to minimize hand to hand infection, were installed in public places : the Border post (above), District Development Coordinator’s Offices (left), Dingumuzi Clinic, the Prison (left) Plumtree Hospital and ZRP Plumtree town camp.
More than 2500 posters with Covid 19, Cholera, Typhoid, Food Hygiene and handwashing messages have been displayed in and around Plumtree to create awareness on all the aspects related to people’s health and hygiene.