N'djamena is covered with posters to fight COVID-19

Scouts and Guides criss-cross the city to display the posters

Martina Palazzo
Scouts et guides
UNICEF Chad/2020/Martina Palazzo
29 June 2020

In one day, the capital of Chad was covered with 8,000 posters, containing protection measures against covid-19. 280 volunteers, members of the Guides and Scouts Associations (AGT and AST), gathered on Saturday 27 June 2020 to criss-cross the streets and neighbourhoods of the city's 10 districts.

Guides dancing
UNICEF Chad/2020/Martina Palazzo

Wearing masks on their faces, they meet at 8am for a briefing. To the song "Joy, Joy, the Guides and Scouts are there. I clap my hands, I snap my fingers, I turn this way and dance a little", they wait for the glue and the posters to embark on the day's adventure: to cover N'Djamena with awareness messages to stop the advance of the coronavirus. Three months after the first positive case in Chad, lowering one's attention at this time could bring the number of infected people back up.

 

Guides
UNICEF Chad/2020/Martina Palazzo
Scouts showing posters
UNICEF Chad/2020/Martina Palazzo

"People think the disease is gone, because lately according to official figures fewer cases are registered. I know the virus is here. A friend of my big sister's died as a result. If I'm here today, it's because I want people to be aware of the barrier gestures and protect themselves. It's the only thing we can do to win against this virus. » 

Eveline Bourass, 26 years
Eveline Bourass, 26 years
UNICEF Chad/2020/Martina Palazzo

The risk of contamination does not disappear as long as covid-19 continues to circulate among a population unaware of its existence, risks and preventive measures. Physical distancing, frequent hand washing with soap and water or hydroalcoholic gel, and wearing a mask are the three golden rules for stepping onto the podium of the responsible and virtuous citizen. Getting informed and avoiding the spread of false information must become part of the daily routine.

Scout with megaphone
UNICEF Chad/2020/Martina Palazzo

"In the megaphone, I shout loudly that these preventive measures must be respected. As a Scout, I have a duty to my country."

Ndilnodji Marius

"I want and I must help Chadian men and women so that we are not victims of this deadly disease," continues Ndilnodji Marius, who will soon be 18. "For the occasion, my colleagues and I from the musical group Boys Baden created a song in two languages, French and English, and four dialects, Chadian Arabic, Moundang, Mesmai and Ngambaye. Through music the Chadian people listen and more easily integrate the barrier gestures into their daily life. 

N'Djamena is still Chad's most affected city. The figures are clear: 761 positive cases out of a total of 865 according to the latest communiqué (N. 72) from the Ministry of Public Health. It is time to act to return to normality as soon as possible.  To do so, UNICEF Chad has coordinated this massive poster and awareness raising activity in close collaboration with the Scouts and Guides movements, and the financial support of ECHO-Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection of the European Union. Together for a COVID-19 free city!
 

Guides posting
UNICEF Chad/2020/Martina Palazzo
Scouts posting
UNICEF Chad/2020/Martina Palazzo