Project champions behaviour change to fight Covid-19
Development Communications Trust (DCT) has initiated a behaviour change programme to enhance the fight against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in Mchinji District.
In an interview on Wednesday, DCT project coordinator Bettie Chumbu said they are using chiefs, traditional healers, religious leaders and volunteers to disseminate Covid-19 messages to remote areas.
“We have observed that people are aware of the pandemic, but what is remaining is to see a changed behaviour in washing hands with soap regularly and observing social distance,” she said.
Chumbu said people can change behaviour only if they are taught the benefits of good behaviour.
Chumbu records clips for Covid-19 radio programme
“That is why DCT has trained the stakeholders who will promote behaviour change among people,” she said.
In a separate interview, Traditional Authority Simphasi commended DCT for considering his area for the initiative.
DCT is using mobile vans to raise awareness on Covid-19 and phone-in programmes aired on community radio stations. The Increasing Awareness on Protection and Preparedness against Covid-19 Outbreak project is implemented in Mchinji, Dowa, Mwanza, Karonga and Blantyre with funding from United Nations Children Fund.
