World Health Day was celebrated on April 7 with the re-enforcement of messages on the preventive protocols of the Corona virus disease.

The United Nations Volunteer Programme Field Unit in Liberia in collaboration with Volunteer Without Borders (a Liberian Volunteer Organization), mobilized 30 volunteers to raise awareness in three vulnerable communities (Slipway, West Point and Clara Town) in Montserrado County.

The objective of the campaign was to complement the national response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Liberia by educating vulnerable population on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, the modes of transmission, how to prevent transmission and where to seek help if someone is infected.

Volunteers deployed in the targeted communities moved from house to house, shops, stores and market areas, creating awareness and distributing flyers. The one-day campaign increased understanding on COVID-19 modes of transmission and preventive measures among 5,245 persons including 2,873 females.

Through their engagement, volunteers successfully mobilized support and commitment from community leaders and members to help promote prevention at household and community levels.

This support was demonstrated in the Clara Town Community when marketers there provided a PA system to the volunteers during the outreach, to ensure that the messages reached everyone in the market and beyond while the community chairperson accompanied the team for the entire activity.

Volunteers were also able to correct misinformation and dispelled myths about COVID-19 among community members by encouraging them to ask questions.

The management of Volunteers Without Border has expressed gratitude for the collaboration and assured international partners of the availability of motivated and energetic Liberians at his organization who are ready to buttress government’s effort.

The UN Volunteer Programme will continue to collaborate with local volunteer organizations through joint initiatives to compliment the effort of the Government of Liberia and its international partners to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

Liberia has reported over 50 confirmed cases of the corona virus disease.