Reaching out to vulnerable population amidst threats of COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID 19 is changing life’s course and altering how aid agencies are reaching out to affected population. In the Northeast of Nigeria, Centre for Community Development and Research Network is relentlessly reaching out to vulnerable communities across Yobe and Adamawa with support from United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) amidst threats posed by COVID 19.

Since the outbreak of the disease, CCDRN has continued to oversee the delivery of lifesaving food and nutrition assistance to conflict affected families in strict compliance with globally accepted preventive measure while prioritizing safety of staff and the people we serve with support from WFP.

The COVID 19 pandemic poses more threats to IDPs and other vulnerable groups who have been affected by the over 10 years conflict in the Nigerian northeast with the potentialities of making an already bad situation worse.

With support from WFP, CCDRN acted swiftly to come up with preventive measure and adjusted operation plan that factor in community sensitization on COVID 19 preventive measure using local languages and culturally appropriate models. This also includes minimizing crowd at food distribution point by dividing beneficiaries into smaller groups for effective management while ensuring strict compliance with preventive measures.

CCDRN initiated sensitization about COVID-19 in Gujba and Gulani LGAs of Yobe State, while conducting monthly Cash Base Transfer (CBT) intervention. From research conducted by CCDRN, beneficiaries were previously not aware of the novel Coronavirus pandemic. CCDRN saw the need to move swiftly to sensitize community stakeholders (Village heads, Vendors, Food committees, beneficiaries and Community Members). The sensitization was designed to enlighten beneficiaries continuously to stay safe and get acquainted with preventive measures on COVID 19. The sensitization is expected to continue through other interventions.

In Michika LGA of Adamawa state, while constituting Project Management Committee (PMC) and Project Technical Committee (PTC) under the World Food Programme’s livelihood intervention in the area, CCDRN reached out and sensitized members. The sensitization messages includes; signs and symptoms of COVID 19, which are cough, fever, tiredness and difficulty in breathing (Severe cases) and also preventive measures to be taking against COVID 19. Some of the preventive measures contain in the sensitization are regular hand washing, social distance, No handshakes, No face wipe with an unclean hand, frequent use of alcohol base sanitizers and use of face masks.

In Bade LGA, Yobe state, sensitization on COVID 19 has being effectively executed minimizing activities that will bring many people together, at most 30 people who will also maintain social distance. Provisions for multiple entry points, screening/verification points and discharge points to beneficiaries.

While sensitization was going on, beneficiaries were told not to panic but rather prepare and take responsibility by telling sick people/neighbor to go for a medical test, in other to keep themselves and others safe.

CCDRN’s move to ensure that affected community members are well informed on the dangers and preventive measures of COVID 19 is in keeping with global call to act on the pandemic