Overcoming COVID Myths and Fears in Malawi

This article describes the effects of a UN-supported system of emergency care centers to care for COVID-19 patients in Malawi, a country where many do not receive proper medical care due to their distance from medical facilities.

Centers were established at several rural hospitals across Malawi’s 28 districts, bringing COVID-19 healthcare closer to rural people who constitute 80 per cent of the population.

The UN also equipped 1,800 health workers with COVID-19 training and personal protective equipment (PPE). It has been regularly reaching over 14 million people with messages encouraging prevention and access to treatment for those who do not feel well. A network of volunteers from over 300 community-based organisations – together with community radio stations, community leaders, a toll free line, and mobile phone messages sent through a dedicated platform – are used to communicate with people in remote parts of Malawi about the dangers of COVID-19 and the benefits of vaccination.

Source: Overcoming COVID Myths and Fears in Malawi