Covid 19 is the new viral pathogen, discovered in late year 2019 and early year 2020, that is highly contagious, caused enormous health issues, economical downfall, and social problems. It has adversely affected the entire functioning system of the world, making it difficult for the human species to recover both mentally, socially, psychologically, and financially. Covid 19 spreads faster through undetected viruses from person to person, therefore there is a need for educating the public on the seriousness of Covid-19 and their role in preventing its spread. The disease spreads inequitably and the vulnerable tend to suffer higher rates of infection and complications.
The International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) was invited by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Vital Strategies to develop health promotion and education actions, to support ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the African continent. The African Institute for Health and Development in Kenya, together with Nairobi Metropolitan Services and Kisii County developed health promotion and education strategies, to support ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was implemented in Ruai and Njiru wards, Nairobi, and Kitutu central ward in Kitutu Chache south Sub-County in Kisii County.
The response was advocated by influencers, community engagement with the risk groups, social mobilization, community media and social media activities were carried out through Community Own Resource Persons (CORPs) and gatekeepers, including the ward administrators, Nyumba Kumi elders, religious leaders, chiefs, women and youth leaders and persons with disabilities. To avert possible risk of escalating new infections or further Community transmission of COVID19, the community engagement activities promoted positive behavior change thus enabling people initiate, sustain and maintain desirable behavior outcomes, an interactive process of Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC).
The weak health systems which face a huge burden of the virus, had to be addressed through health promotion which aids to increase people’s control over their health. This required enabling individuals and communities to acquire the knowledge, skills, and efficacy to take preventive behavioural actions and access support and services that would protect and promote their health in the face of the pandemic.