Johannesburg - A new Covid-19 public education campaign has been launched in support of the national drive to bring the pandemic under control.
Covid Comms, a civil society network of communications volunteers, has launched the “Prevent the Fourth Wave” campaign focusing on three key areas: prevention, vaccination and information.
“Our vaccination message is simple and is a direct call to all eligible groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“It’s clear that the initial spark of interest by the vaccine early adopters has diminished quite quickly, and we hope our messaging will inspire both vaccine hesitant and vaccine resisters to register and get their jab as soon as possible. It’s the right thing to do,” said Covid Comms secretariat member Tessa Dooms.
Dooms said the campaign’s information messaging is aimed at countering the growing trend of misinformation and disinformation spread around Covid-19 and vaccines.
“Our campaign material has provided explanations for many aspects of Covid-19 and the various vaccine options, in the belief that this will cut through the noise and provide information – in plain language, and in at least six South African languages – that will help turn the tide against the flow of false information,” she said.
Covid Comms said a key element of its campaign material is that it is easy to use and share as all material is available free on its website.
It made a call to people with access to social media to stop spreading disinformation and rather spread their information products and those produced by credible organisations.
“Disinformation is fuelling vaccine hesitancy. Rather spread the facts, which are presented on our site, and play a role in becoming a personal vaccine ambassador.
“The truth is one of our most powerful weapons during a public health emergency like the one we find ourselves in. We need to spread the truth, not the virus,” Dooms said.
Covid Comms has also issued a call to the South African media to play a greater role in making basic health information available to the public.
“TV, radio and digital media reach millions of people every day, and we believe the media could play a greater role in massifying vital messages about Covid-19 and how to combat it,” said Covid Comms chairperson Chris Vick.
Vick added that for some weeks the network had been calling on the media industry to up its game. He said although public service announcements and inserts were helpful, what was needed was for prime-time viewers to be exposed to vital public health messaging.
“There can be no doubt that a renewed national effort is needed to contain Covid-19 by non-pharmaceutical means, and to protect our people by vaccination.
“Vaccine hesitancy is increasing, and so is active resistance. We need all hands on deck. We need all the communications help we can muster. And we need it now, in as many forms as possible, in as many languages as possible, so it reaches as many people as possible,” Vick said. |
The Star