UN Zambia Resident Coordinator Dr Coumba Mar Gadio visits COVID-19 Call Centre at the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) in Lusaka
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UN Zambia Resident Coordinator Dr. Coumba Mar Gadio interacting with Zambian’s in Lusaka’s Chawama Township
By Luswepo Mutepuka -Kwilanzi News Zambia in Lusaka
The UN Zambia Resident Coordinator Dr Coumba Mar Gadio today visited the COVID-19 Call Centre at the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) in Lusaka to familiarize herself with operations and convey UN Zambia support to Risk Communication and Community Engagement activities led by the Government through the Ministry of Health and ZNPHI.
Speaking after the tour, Dr Gadio underscored the importance of communication in the fight against COVID-19.
“The fight against coronavirus in a fight against a virus but also a fight against misinformation. I am happy that this call centre which the UN system supports through UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO is helping provide information to the public on the pandemic and also helping correct myths and misconceptions that people receive everyday through a myriad of ways,” said Dr Gadio.
Children in Chawama, Lusaka
“The UN is supporting Risk Communication and Community Engagement by not only giving information to the public but also listening to them and tailoring messages accordingly as the pandemic evolves. No one should be left behind. Community members have a key role in fighting COVID-19 so it is important that we help them get accurate information and follow the prevention guidelines given by the Ministry of Health,” she added.
Under the lead of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations has supported the Government on the development of a multisectoral contingency plan and assessment of the socio-economic impact of the pandemic in Zambia.
With support from cooperating partners, the UN has contributed to ongoing efforts by the Government including training of technical staff and helping strengthen surveillance in communities, procurement of personal protective equipment and essential medicines, promoting Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in health facilities and strengthening infection prevention and control.
Additional support has gone towards strengthening health systems to effectively deliver health services, including supporting human resources for health to provide antenatal care, safe delivery and addressing sexual and Gender-Based Violence, which increases in times of crises.
UN Zambia Resident Coordinator Dr Coumba Mar Gadio visits COVID-19 making Public Service Announcements in Chawama, Lusaka
