Compliance with Physical Distancing Measures for COVID-19 and Implications for RCCE in Eastern and Southern Africa

UNICEF communication officer, Joshua Brown is raising awareness on Coronavirus disease in The Gurei community of Juba is participating in an orientation of Coronavirus disease while observing social distancing. The country just reported its first case of COVID-19. UNICEF South Sudan has a network of 2,500 mobilisers which are worker around the year raising awareness on the importance of hygiene, immunization, nutrition, protection of children and education. In an emergency, these mobilisers become essential frontlines, ensuring everyone in the country know how to protect themselves. Access to information is a huge challenge in South Sudan every day, but in particular in an emergency. The country is the size of France, but with a population of just under 12 million. 88% of the population lives in rural areas where connectivity is often very poor, including mobile reception. Furthermore, only 1/3 of the population can read and write, making radio one of the most powerful mass media channels, but only when messages are translated properly. There are over 60 languages in South Sudan. Together with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF is leading the Risk Communication efforts in South Sudan linked to the outbreak of Coronavirus disease. UNICEF is also co-leading the response on infection prevention and control and WASH.