Dzivirirai kupararira kwe COVID-19

Key observations

• During phase 1 of our campaign it came to light that the lockdown has created issues in homes. Cases of gender-based violence have increased substantially along with cases of child abuse. As such, our campaign messaging has now evolved to include more information on GBV and child protection issues that were touched on previously, along with updated messaging on Covid-19.

• During this period, the issues of food security and access to hygiene supplies have become more challenging as prices have begun to rise due to shortages and the black-market trading of essential items. 

• The Government has mandated the use of masks when out in public. This has led to the masks running short and people being charged up to USD5.00 per mask. Many families are having to share masks, which is obviously not a good situation.

• This period has also seen the softening of lockdown restrictions.  Even so, the lockdown is not being adhered to, with many people socializing and traveling unnecessarily, and our teams have seen a sharp increase in the numbers of people out and about.

• On the whole awareness of Covid-19 is good but the vast majority are not concerned with it-they to have more pressing issues to deal with on a daily basis.

• Hand washing is the most improved prevention method in all the locations we have been to. This has been embraced and enforced by most homes and businesses.

• Masks are also much more commonplace now (as per the government directive).

• Social distancing is still very poor in most areas and as such is being pushed harder by our teams. We are now trying to tackle it from a financial angle, in that, soap and masks cost money, social distancing is FREE.

• We have started a survey in Manicaland primarily aimed at GBV and Child protection issues. We have also included basic food and water security questions, as well as questions based around Covid-19 information. We hope to roll this survey out in Harare once the required approvals are secured.