COVID19 shocked the world and caught most countries unprepared including Liberia. At the inception of coronavirus pandemic in Liberia, resources were not initially available; there were denial and misinformation in communities about the virus including limited understanding about its signs, symptoms, and effects. With limited information about preventive measures and increasing confirmed cases, there was an urgent need for an innovative action.
NAYMOTE having Ebola Experience, quickly mobilized local communities, and engaged them through 45 locally-based organizations to help respond to the fight. NAYMOTE with approval from two of its partners, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and National Endowment for Democracy (NED) redirected ongoing project funds to the fight against COVID-19 and initiated the “Community Action Platform Against covid19” project, a community-driven social mobilization and innovative program to prepare communities to adequately help combat covid19. Total of LD $2,050,805.00 was used to support this initiative.
The project had two outcomes all built around awareness creation and mobilizing community resilience anchored on experience and available information on the virus. The month-long project ended on June 15, 2020. Link to report, CBOs supported, and photos.
During the project implementation period (May 1-June 15, 2020), 45 Community Based Organizations were empowered, 225 communities were reached and engaged. The project reached and educated 52,243 citizens, comprising of (23,712 males and 28,531 females), across all 17 electoral districts in Montserrado County through social mobilization, call center awareness. Relationships between CBOs and communities were strengthened, solidarity built; enhanced contact tracing and case findings in communities, increased awareness on COVID19 preventive measures in communities, and other health protocols.
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development will appreciate any support to continue this innovative and creative social mobilization campaign which is directly supporting national and international efforts to eradicate COVID-19 from Liberia.
