On the occasion of World Health Day, 7 April , the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme in Liberia partnered with Volunteers Without Borders to raise awareness of COVID-19. The campaign’s objective was to complement Liberia’s national response to COVID-19, by educating vulnerable populations on signs and symptoms, preventing transmission and handling infection.
UNV supported 30 volunteers from Volunteers Without Borders by providing flyers and megaphones to facilitate an awareness-raising initiative in the vulnerable communities of Slipway, West Point and Clara Town, in Montserrado County. The volunteers mobilized Clara Town marketers, who provided a sound system that helped spread information on COVID-19, while the community chairperson accompanied the team throughout the entire activity.
During this one-day campaign, community members were encouraged to ask questions, while myths were dispelled. The campaign reached homes, shops and market areas, and crucial information was provided to 5,245 persons, including 2,873 women.
In a context where few people have access to television or social media, this type of outreach activity was much welcomed. Collaboration with the volunteering organization Volunteers Without Borders was appreciated by both parties, showing the availability of motivated and energetic Liberians, ready to buttress the government’s efforts.
UNV's field unit in Liberia aims to continue collaborating, through joint initiatives, with local volunteer organizations, to compliment the efforts of the government and development partners to contain the COVID-19 outbreak at a national level.