UN Resident Coordinator Joins Manzini Regional Administrator in COVID-19 Community Mobilization

On 19 May 2020, the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh joined Manzini Regional Administrator, HRH Prince Gija in community mobilization and awareness for COVID-19 infection prevention and control at Mathangeni and Mbhuleni areas in Matsapha.

Leading a team of about 40 volunteers and members of the COVID-19 technical team in Manzini, Prince Gija and Ms. Ndongo-Seh were also joined by Matsaha CEO, Mr. Lucky Sukati and World Health Organisation (WHO) Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Khosi Mthethwa.

In solidarity and in partnership with the Government and people of Eswatini, the UN has mobilized and reprogrammed more than USD 2,4 million towards the national COVID-19 response including for coordination, risk communication, community engagement, technical assistance, the procurement of medical and pharmaceutical supplies and equipment, and the distribution of food items. "The battle against coronavirus will not be won without unity and without the solidarity of partners working together, ensuring the health and the wellbeing of all people, and making every effort to save livelihoods," said Ms. Ndongo-Seh. "As the UN, we stand in solidarity with the people of Eswatini, the Government and all partners as programs/interventions are being implemented to stop the rise in infections. We continue to strive for a people-centred response to COVID-19 by protecting health workers, who are in the frontlines of the response, engaging with communities, encouraging respect for human rights and inclusion, fighting for gender equality and dignity for all."

The UN has trained 80 volunteers, provided 10 rented vehicles, 20 megaphones and 10,000 facemasks as part of its support to regional teams to enhance and enrich community engagement for positive behavior change and adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures such as the wearing of face masks, social distancing and staying at home. The 3-month campaign targeting urban and rural communities is focussing on crowded areas considered to be hotspots in the continuous spread of COVID-19.

The UN is also supporting public awareness-raising through mass media, social media and outdoor media, working with the Deputy Prime Minister, Senator Themba Masuku and the Risk Communication Technical Working Group Chairperson, Mr. Mbongeni Mbingo. A total of 6 billboards featuring messages from senior government officials and local celebrities have been erected at strategic points across the country.

The campaign, launched by the Deputy Prime Minister on 12 May 2020, is being rolled out in partnership with municipalities in the Hhohho and Manzini regions as well as Tindvuna Tetinkhundla for rural areas. So far, 7 Tinkhundla out of a total 18 have been reached in Manzini. Hotspots visited in Manzini include Mangwaneni, Ngwane Park, KaShali, Mathangeni and Mbhuleni. The Hhohho regional administrator, HRH Prince Tsandzile  has also visited a number of areas for community engagement and awareness, including Ngwenya, Mpolonjeni, Lobamba, Ezulwini and many others.

Prince Gija expressed appreciation that the UN Resident Coordinator had found time in her busy schedule to visit the regional teams in such an important task. "We are very much encouraged and eager to do more to change the current challenge faced by the Manzini region with regard to the high infection rate," said Prince Gija. Out of a total 208 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Eswatini, the Manzini region has 120 cases.

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