COVID-19: RSG/UNICEF To Provide APP Against Stigmatisation

Preparations has reached advanced stage in Rivers State towards the provision of a special application to enable individuals seek medical attention and get same without the knowledge of friends and family members as a means of checking stigmatisation over infection with COVID-19.
The State Coordinator, Risk Communication and Community Engagement Pillar on COVID-19, Dr Mordecia Olowole, who made this known to newsmen, said the state government through the primary Healthcare Management Board in collaboration with UNICEF has gotten to the stage of providing the application to enhance the fight against stigmatisation.
“ In Rivers State, we are coming up with an innovation. By the time we fully roll it out, it’s going to be the first of it’s kind, possibly in the whole world”, he said.
He explained that the application is such that it will enable people who suspect that they have been infected with the virus to make it known to relevant health personnel and promptly get the required medical attention without the knowledge of close persons.
“The report goes straight to the right health personnel, who will engage you one-on-one, and you can get your own service even at your door post.
“By the time we finally roll out this, it’s going to go a long way to prevent stigmatisation”, he said.
Earlier, the state Deputy Coordinator , Risk Communication and Community Engagement Pillar, Amb. Tonjo Harry, explained that deliberate checking of stigmatisation is always embedded in messages during sensitisation meetings with stakeholders.

Sogbeba Dokubo