The Deputy Prime Minister, HRH Prince Gija, HRH Princess Tsandzile, the UN Resident Coordinator and Partners Launch the COVID-19 Sensitization and Awareness Campaign

On Monday 11th May, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Themba Masuku, HRH Prince Gija, HRH Princess Tsandzile, the UN Resident Coordinator, National Disaster Management Agency, CANGO, NERCHA and partners launched the COVID-19 Sensitization and Awareness Campaign at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, to reach those left behind in the nation's response to the pandemic.

Through mass media, digital media and community engagement, the UN and partners are working to sensitize the people of Eswatini on COVID-19. “This Coronavirus Sensitization and Awareness Campaign is building up and adding to on-going efforts aimed at sustaining critical messaging to ensure that every liSwati is reached to protect themselves and their families so that we can save the lives and livelihoods in this beautiful nation,” said the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Nathalie Ndongo-Seh.

The campaign is being implemented over three months, with support from the UN, by the Regional Task Forces in partnership with NDMA, CANGO, NERCHA and many other partners including the private sector and the media in urban and peri-urban areas considered as COVID-19 hotspots in Manzini, Matsapha, Ezulwini and Mbabane municipalities.

“The solidarity and partnership already evident in the implementation of this campaign will help all us to reach those who have inadvertently been left behind or who may be at risk to be left behind including the elderly, people with disabilities, PLHIV, people in rural areas,” stated Ms Ndongo-Seh.

The UN is supporting the Sensitization Campaign through the training of 80 volunteers by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, to disseminate important COVID-19 messages, and the provision of transport, megaphones, PPE, reusable face-masks and information materials.

The UN Resident Coordinator continued; "Our volunteers are female and male, of many ages, backgrounds and some have a disability. It's wonderful to witness their eagerness and commitment as they prepare to enter the field: we wish them well and are here to support them every step of the way to ensure their protection,"

"As our nation continues to fight this unprecedented health emergency in human history, solidarity, innovative partnerships, excellent coordination, prevention, strong communication, community engagement and social mobilization in rural and urban areas are key to preventing any further spread and the devastation of the virus."

Ms Ndongo-Seh closed the launch by thanking the honoured guests and partners for their commendable efforts on sensitizing those left behind on COVID-19, reminding all present on their value in the fight against COVID-19: “Each and every one of you is vital in Eswatini’s battle against COVID-19 and in Eswatini’s recovery from the pandemic: do not underestimate your role. Let us continue to stand together, knowing that we will win this fight. Thank you again for being a part of this significant step towards victory.”