Goto main content

HI launches a campaign to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Togo and protect the most vulnerable

Emergency
Togo

Humanity & Inclusion’s teams in Togo are taking action to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. They aim to help the most vulnerable people understand the importance of taking basic precautionary measures, and to cope with their fear of the virus.

HI teams disseminate prevention messages to the Togolese population to prevent the spread of Covid 19

HI teams disseminate prevention messages to the Togolese population to prevent the spread of Covid 19 | © HI

How does the virus pass from one person to another?  How can you protect yourself? What’s best way to help people with disabilities, who are often the most vulnerable to the virus? HI provides answers.

HI drives around the streets of the capital Lomé, in northern Togo, broadcasting prevention messages through loudspeakers mounted on the roof of their vehicles. “It works really well because people want clear information on how to protect themselves and their loved ones. There are a lot of mixed signals out there, so it’s not easy for everyone to navigate,” explains Irène Manterola, HI’s country manager in Togo.

Basic precautionary measures adapted to the most vulnerable

For many, the recommended precautionary measures are impossible to apply. What do you do if you use a wheelchair and need help washing or feeding yourself, for example? “Social distancing, okay! But people with disabilities or older people, etc., who normally need a caregiver or health assistant or medical assistance, can’t be left to fend for themselves because people are afraid of catching the virus. We need these people to be able to protect themselves while attending to the most vulnerable.” adds Irène. 

Making hygiene accessible to all

The price of hygiene products in Togo has soared in recent weeks - including a seven-fold increase in the cost hydro-alcoholic gel. This makes it more difficult for people to take precautionary measures. HI’s teams have begun to make bleach and soap for hygiene kits so the poorest can continue accessing these essential items. “We hand them out to our beneficiaries and in the poorest areas, where there is more overcrowding,” adds Irène.

Radio programmes to reassure the population

The pandemic has generated a lot of fear in Togo. To help people manage this fear, HI’s teams have recorded a series of radio programmes. “One of the biggest problems we face is how to gauge the information: people need to know how serious the situation is without making them feel completely helpless,” explains Irène. Building on the success of these programmes, HI is now working with the country’s union of psychiatrists and psychologists to create a free counselling helpline anyone can call.

Where your
support
helps

PRESS CONTACT

CANADA

Fatou Thiam

USA

Mica BEVINGTON

 

Help them
concretely

To go further

“If I had stayed in my shelter, I would be dead now”
© HI
Emergency

“If I had stayed in my shelter, I would be dead now”

Cyclone Mocha hit Bangladesh and Myanmar on Sunday, 14 May. Our teams are currently assessing the damage and needs in Cox's Bazar refugee camps.

Cyclone Mocha may hit world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh
© Cyclocane.com
Emergency

Cyclone Mocha may hit world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh

Mocha may hit the border area of Bangladesh and Myanmar on sunday 14th May. Concerns are very high regarding Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, where 1 million Rohingya are living.

42,300 Sudanese refugees in Egypt: Humanitarian needs are severely increasing.
© Noha.K / HI
Emergency

42,300 Sudanese refugees in Egypt: Humanitarian needs are severely increasing.

Up to 300,000 Sudanese are expected to cross the border and will need humanitarian assistance. HI is prepared to aid refugees and host communities. Donors are urged to prevent disaster.