UNICEF supports training of Red Cross volunteers on COVID-19

The Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF, WHO and other partners has trained a group of 60 Red Cross volunteers who will engage in targeted gate-to-gate community engagement in the Manzini region.

The Risk Communication team conducted the training as an intervention to try and address the issue of escalating numbers of COVID-19 cases in the region. Recent data from the Ministry of Health indicates that about 60 per cent of the confirmed cases come from Manzini. The training was commissioned by the Deputy Director Public Health MOH Ms. Rejoice Nkambule. Making her remarks, she appreciated the volunteers for their commitment to the fight against COVID-19.

The target audiences for the campaign are adults and young adults between the ages of 20-40 years and security forces management. Security forces have been identified as another vulnerable group that needs to be sensitized on COVID-19. Manzini Public Health Administrator Ms. Ngubeni when delivering her presentation on the COVID-19 situation in Manzini, highlighted that over 300 law enforcement officers have been tested for COVID-19 and about 60 of them tested positive for the virus. 

The expected communication outcome for this campaign is to see residents of areas experiencing COVID-19 cluster transmission in Manzini, practice preventive health measures. Beyond trying to curb the spread of the virus, the campaign will empower communities to be in the forefront of the response.

Red Cross Director Mr. Danger Nhlabatsi thanked UNICEF, WHO and all partners who supported the training and further urged volunteers to be exemplary in their communities. He challenged them to do better now that they have learned, starting from their own homes before going out to the communities.  Manzini Public Health Administrator, Ms. Ngubeni also echoed Mr. Nhlabatsi’s words and urged volunteers to practice all safety precautions as they commence with the assignment.

The volunteers will intensively engage people in Manzini on COVID -19 prevention and treatment for the next two weeks.

UNICEF continues to support initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic especially on children.