The campaign tagged – the POWERFUL H.A.N.D.S is a joint collaboration between the Federal Government of Nigeria and United Nations in Nigeria with funding from the European Union (EU).
H.A.N.D.S – is expected to stimulate collective actions to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The campaign is being implemented through the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), an indigenous SBC organisation with technical support from UNICEF.
The nationwide campaign will entail mass media, digital media (also suitable for visually and hearing impaired) and targeted community/school engagement activities in six states (Lagos, Oyo, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers) and the FCT. CCSI will be collaborating with the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) pillars in the target states to engage prominent stakeholders in two hot spot LGAs to promote the key behaviours of the campaign to prevent further transmission of the COVID-19. The campaign is also featuring a unique Super Hero, “Captain Bubbles” for young children to promote the habit of hand washing and other key hygiene practices with an animated video and theme song.
The goal of the four-month, UNICEF-funded campaign is to increase the number of Nigerians who believe in and practise COVID-19 preventive behaviours, while communicating the main message that “THE POWER TO STOP COVID-19 IS IN OUR H.A.N.D.S”.
The United Nation’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon said: “The UN remains committed to working closely with the Government and the people of Nigeria to end the COVID-19 pandemic through evidence-based, innovative and effective interventions such as the HANDS campaign. There is no better time than now to empower and encourage people to sustain the practise of preventive behaviours to protect themselves and loved ones from the scourge of COVID-19. We are optimistic that this campaign will rekindle families, friends and children’s efforts to contain the transmission of COVID19. “
The Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu on his part warned against complacency.
He said Nigerians cannot afford to be complacent as the virus is still around and hence the need to adhere strictly to the covid-19 protocols like HANDS.
He added that other measures like travel bans and restrictions have been put in place to prevent the third wave from happening.
He therefore said it is in the hands of every Nigeria to protect themselves by observing the social behavioural change.
“We just have to protect ourselves, we are very determined as much as possible to avoid a third wave but we know we cant do it on our own because as much as we restrict air travels, we understand the realities of our borders there is always exception here and there. So that is why we think this campaign is so important.
“All of us must understand, this is not something you do for the government, it’s something you do for yourself. We want to avoid the situation that is being experienced in some countries and together with everyone involved in this campaign to make sure we don’t get into that situation.”
He said the campaign will be taken to the suburbs and every part of Nigeria as it involves all.
Speaking on the importance of the campaign, Peter Hawkins, UNICEF country Representative warned that it is now that the pandemic is at the lowest, that people need to be cautious and adhere to the protocols.
He said it is now that the people need to “ move forward to take control of our own destiny at this time.”
While noting that the plan is to ensure that 100 million Nigwerians are vaccinated,he however said vaccination alone is not the solution as people still need to take the preventive measures.
He said, “The solution is when you take the preventive measure plus the vaccine. And because the vaccine is going to take a long measure, for the meantime let focus on the preventive measures.
“The virus is also trying to mutate and trying to survive, hence the need to take the message to schools so that our young ones take measures themselves and also ensure that our adults take measures themselves.”
Nigeria, like the rest of the world is working assiduously to contain and prevent the transmission of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).
Since the index case was recorded on February 27, 2020, the Federal Government of Nigeria has instituted several public health measures to protect the health and lives of its citizens.
Although the number of cases in Nigeria are reducing, the risk of transmission persists along with the emerging COVID-19 variants from countries such as India and South Africa. As a result, there is a need to sustain the gains already made in the nation’s response to the pandemic to ensure there is no resurgence. Hence, a Social and Behaviour change Communication (SBC) that increases efficacy to practice COVID-19 preventive guidelines has become more pertinent.
