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We Know How to Curb the Pandemic. How Do We Make People Listen?

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A recent report by researchers from Northeastern University and elsewhere found that the number of Americans heeding most recommendations has dropped steadily since April. (Mask-wearing, which has increased, was an exception.)

This article relates several instances of intended audiences practicing appropriate behavior when they believe others are doing the same thing, i.e., adhering to social norms. What one believes others are doing influences our actions, but so does what we imagine they view as acceptable.

Source: We Know How to Curb the Pandemic. How Do We Make People Listen?

    Views 674

    Masked Indian Comic Superhero Fights COVID-19 Fear

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    India’s first female comic superhero Priya, a gang-rape survivor who earlier campaigned against rape, acid attack and sex trafficking, is back to fight disinformation around the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In Priya’s Mask, due to be launched on 2 December, the comic crusader joins hands with Jiya, the “Burka Avenger”, a popular character from a Pakistani cartoon show, as the two go about trying to tackle the pandemic – and also the “infodemic”, a major proliferation in fake news surrounding the coronavirus.

    With more than 9.4 million infections and 137,000 deaths, India has the second highest caseload globally. A strict nationwide lockdown that was imposed on 21 March delayed the spread for a while, but infections grew rapidly – and continue to do so – since restrictions were relaxed.

    A major challenge in India’s fight against COVID-19 has been the false and misleading information around the pandemic, which is often shared quickly. Through this campaign, the creators wanted to challenge misinformation, dispel fear, and support the health workers and others at the forefront of the fight against the virus.

    Source: Masked Indian Comic Superhero Fights COVID-19 Fear

      Views 804

      COVID-19 Health Communication Materials for South Asia

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      As we come together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe that it is vitally important to empower people with the right information and best practices to follow in these challenging times. We hope that these resources are useful for you and your communities.

      Source: COVID-19 Health Communication Materials for South Asia

        Views 2248

        Behavioural Considerations for Acceptance and Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccines: WHO Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Insights and Sciences for Health

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        This is a report from a meeting held in October 2020 to discuss behavioral considerations relating to vaccine acceptance and uptake.

        The discussion focused on a series of key questions around achieving high and equitable uptake of vaccines through evidence-based and behaviourally informed strategies. This meeting report is the product of the discussion held by WHO TAG members during the meeting. It covers only the topics that were addressed at the meeting.

        The study introduces the topic by stating that behavioral research identifies three categories of drivers of vaccine uptake, in addition to people having the necessary knowledge:

        1. an enabling environment
        2. social influences
        3. motivation

        The three drivers interact and overlap, depending on contexts; however, for the purpose of understanding the problem and identifying strategies, it is helpful to keep the categories separate. An appreciation of each driver leads to its own set of insights and interventions, or mix of interventions, which will often vary across communities.

        Source: Behavioural Considerations for Acceptance and Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccines: WHO Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Insights and Sciences for Health

          Views 604

          Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Masks

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          This document, dated December 2, 2020, is an update of the guidance published previously and includes updated scientific evidence relevant to the use of masks for preventing transmission of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as practical considerations. It is presented in the form of Questions and Answers.

          Source: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Masks

            Views 489

            Pandemic Fatigue: Reinvigorating the Public to Prevent COVID-19

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            Despite documented public support for pandemic response strategies across the WHO European Region, Member States are reporting signs of pandemic fatigue in their populations – here defined as demotivation to follow recommended protective behaviours, emerging gradually over time and affected by a number of emotions, experiences and perceptions.

            Responding to a request from Member States for support in this field, this document provides a framework for the planning and implementation of national and subnational strategies to maintain and reinvigorate public support to prevent COVID-19.

            Pandemic fatigue is an expected and natural response to a prolonged public health crisis – not least because the severity and scale of the COVID-19 pandemic have called for the implementation of invasive measures with unprecedented impacts on the daily lives of everyone, including those who have not been directly affected by the virus itself.

            Source: Pandemic Fatigue: Reinvigorating the Public to Prevent COVID-19

              Views 605

              ‘Protecting You, Protecting Us’ COVID-19 Campaign Materials, Guyana

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              Breakthrough ACTION Guyana’s ‘Protecting you, Protecting us’ COVID-19 campaign produced a set of materials to inform the public about protection from the virus and to bring to their attention other issues regarding COVID-19.

              Source: ‘Protecting You, Protecting Us’ COVID-19 Campaign Materials, Guyana

                Views 712

                Daily Activities and Going Out

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                This page offers advice on going out of the home during the time of COVID-19.

                The following guidelines are offered:

                • In general, the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.
                • If you decide to engage in public activities, continue to protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions.
                • Keep these items on hand when venturing out: a face mask, tissues, and a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if possible.

                Source: Daily Activities and Going Out

                  Views 685

                  COVID-19: Five Ways to Avoid Catching the Virus Indoors

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                  This article discusses five ways in which an individual or workplace can ensure that there is proper ventilation in order to lessen the chances of people becoming infected with COVID-19.

                  The five suggestions are:

                  • If it’s stuffy, walk away
                  • Look up at the air conditioning (avoid places where air in the room is simply recirculated)
                  • Ask about the fresh air ratio
                  • Get the office management to check if there’s virus in the filters
                  • Watch out for drafts – there are advantages and disadvantages to drafts coming into a room.

                  Source: COVID-19: Five Ways to Avoid Catching the Virus Indoors

                    Views 528