The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Strategic Communications Ltd (Stratcomm Africa), has embarked on a campaign to reinstate adherence to the existing COVID-19 pandemic protocols and safety measures among market women.
The campaigners have indicated that it has come to their observation that adherence to the COVID-19 protocols have reduced drastically, especially among the market women and youth populations, hence the decision to revive its sensitization initiative.
The campaign, which is dubbed ‘It’s up to us’ is expected to bring back wearing of nose mask, hand sanitizing, and regular hand washing among others. With the launch in Agbogbloshie, it would be expanded to other communities and markets across the country to ensure people become conscious that the COVID-19 pandemic is not completely gone, therefore the need to take responsibility for their safety.
Speaking on behalf of Mastercard Foundation, Myra Ankrah, emphasized that Mastercard Foundation is determined to support Ghanaians, especially the youth, to withstand and overcome the devastating short-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and also strengthen their resilience in the long term.
“Young people are at the heart of the Mastercard Foundation interventions and in 2020, when the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation began to partner the local creative industry to run digital campaigns across social media to sensitize and encourage Ghanaians to observe and take up positive COVID-19 protocols such as the wearing of facemasks, maintaining physical distancing, regular hand sanitizing, among others.
We have come a long way since 2020, its November 2021, but, even now, many are still being infected and affected by COVID. Why? Because some of us continue to let down our guard or even refuse to work with the preventive protocols. This puts us all at risk,” she said.
The campaign involved the likes of multiple awards winning musician M. anifest, who came up with a theme song for the campaign and famous actor cum television (TV) presenter, Akroboto.
On his part, the rap artist, M. anifest, reiterated that if we are mandated as individuals to protect our families, the community and ourselves, then it is definitely ‘up to us’, as indicated in the campaign theme.
“The negative impacts of the pandemic are known to all of us. Some young people have even had their lives cut short. Numerous older people we care about dearly have also been taken away from us through this pandemic.
Many young people who were previously gainfully employed are now part of the unemployment statistics, therefore it is important to keep reminding ourselves of the existence of the pandemic and keep adhering to the safety protocols,” he stated.
Mastercard Foundation, Stratcomm Africa and the local creative industry are working together to drive the message of preventive care for families, communities and individuals in a compelling and fun way.
