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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

What you need to know about the virus to protect yourself and your family

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What is coronavirus disease?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new virus transmitted by direct contact with respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing) or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms may include fever, dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath. Some people may experience very mild symptoms or none at all. Most people (around 80%) recover without special treatment. In more serious cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia, severe complications and even death in some patients. Elderly people or those with underlying medical problems are at greater risk of developing severe disease.

In February 2020, WHO revised its assessment of the risk of spread of COVID-19 and its impact worldwide to "very high", signalling the urgent need for rigorous action to contain the disease.

Those with symptoms must be treated and kept in isolation. Seriously ill people must be hospitalized.

How can you protect yourself from the disease?

Here are 5 steps you can take to protect yourself:

  1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer every time you arrive at home or the office, after coughing or sneezing, after using the toilet, and before eating or cooking.
  2. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a handkerchief when you cough or sneeze, then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands.
  3. Avoid close contact with people showing cold- or flu-like symptoms.
  4. Avoid hugging and shaking hands.
  5. Seek prompt medical advice if you have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing. Call your health center before going in person, or call the toll-free number for Mali:
UNICEF Mali

Handwashing is the first preventive action that every girl, boy and adult needs to master to protect themselves. Find out more about our handwashing tips here.

UNICEF Mali

Where to find the latest information on the virus?

A lot of information is circulating about the virus and how to protect yourself against it. Unfortunately, false information abounds.

Always seek information from trusted sources, such as the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Our site contains all the latest news, as well as important advice for parents, children and teachers.

UNICEF Mali Many pieces of information are circulating about the coronavirus and how to protect yourself from it. Unfortunately, false information is abundant. Samba Diallo, a child journalist in Mali, tells us that the disease also affects countries with hot climates.
UNICEF Mali There is a lot of information circulating about the coronavirus and how to protect oneself from it. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of false information. Habibatou Walette, a child parliamentarian in Mali, explains that the disease, contrary to some beliefs, does indeed exist and that we must protect ourselves from it.
UNICEF Mali There is a lot of information circulating about the coronavirus and how to protect yourself from it. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of misinformation. Daouda Gassama, a 10th grade student, explains that it is time to show solidarity and that we must not discriminate.
UNICEF Mali Many pieces of information are circulating about the coronavirus and how to protect oneself from it. Unfortunately, there is an abundance of false information. Awa Dicko, a child parliamentarian, explains to us that drinking a lot of water does not prevent the coronavirus disease and that the proper actions are hand washing and social distancing.
UNICEF Mali A lot of information is circulating about the coronavirus and how to protect yourself from it. Unfortunately, false information is abundant. Chérif Haidara, president of the Children's Parliament of Mali, explains that the coronavirus disease can affect everyone and the importance of only seeking information from reliable sources.

Does the virus particularly affect children?

At present, there is no evidence to suggest that children are more sensitive to COVID-19 than others.

Nevertheless, children remain the most vulnerable members of society. In Mali, children suffer from a high mortality rate and are susceptible to illnesses such as diarrhoea, respiratory infections, malaria and malnutrition. Children also suffer disproportionately in times of crisis, and the majority of Mali's displaced population is under 18. It is therefore essential that the state, communities and partners are mobilized to ensure that the most vulnerable children, including displaced children, are not affected by the virus.

What is UNICEF doing to combat the spread of the disease in Mali?

Together with WHO, UNICEF is supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs in drawing up and implementing its emergency plan to prevent and combat the spread of the virus.

In particular, UNICEF is helping to

  • disseminate key prevention messages
  • sharing factual information on the virus
  • supporting the training of health workers and community relays in case recognition, alerts and contact follow-up
  • reinforce hygiene measures at entry points (airports, borders), in health centers and in large gathering places
  • pre-position hygiene materials and personal protective equipment
  • strengthen the coordination of partners involved in the response.

In addition to its support for prevention, UNICEF is examining the wider implications of the outbreak of confirmed cases in Mali, focusing on the provision of basic social services such as education, protection services and psychosocial support.

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