Opinion
In Africa, large number of communities has misconception
that disease may be transmitted by utilizing health service due
to a lack of trust in health service delivery. According to a health
behavior model, knowledge and practice are contributing factors
for increasing health care seeking among patients with low levels
of trust [1].
The Ethiopian government has done many activities in
disseminating health messages on radio and television, at national
and regional level and there are strong initiatives and recognition of
the public health importance of COVID-19. However, there is a need
to increase community awareness and practices to slow spread of
virus [2,3]. Effective mitigation and reduction of death and illness
due to COVID-19 require behavioral change, which is influenced by
people’s knowledge and perceptions [4]. Recently the community
knowledge and practice is not increased.
The education system is a large sector that makes it useful
conduit into the community, especially through the parent body.
The community of parents of learners at a school is not restricted
to the demographic makeup of the community where the school
property is physically located. More broadly than this, schools are
the primary sector of government with a physical presence and
relationship through parenthood with a significant proportion of
adults in the population. Schools provide a substantial institutional
base from which information and knowledge can be transferred to
learners and their parents about health problems to individuals
and the community at large [5]. Lack of information and advice
from government can expose communities to panic [6]. The space
opens up for ‘infodemics’ – ‘the rapid spread of information of all
kinds, including rumours, gossip and unreliable information [6].
Available communication channels and media need to be
used to advice people how to respond, protect themselves and
reduce the spread of the disease. This ‘communication is critical to
minimize the social, political and subsequently economic impact of
an epidemic’ [6]. According to Key outbreak response framework
elements of WHO a role for schools is communicating risk that
is relaying information, listening to and engaging communities,
and managing rumors and misinformation. We recommend the
educational sectors to focus on providing awareness and education
for the community and students regarding the implementation of
COVID 19 practices.
References
- Lee H, Moon SJ, Ndombi GO, Kim K, Berhe H, et al. (2020) COVID-19 perception, knowledge, and preventive practice: Comparison between South Korea, Ethiopia, and Democratic Republic of Congo. African Journal of Reproductive Health 24(2): 66-77.
- Kebede Y, Yitayih Y, Birhanu Z, Mekonen S, Ambelu A (2020) Knowledge, perceptions and preventive practices towards COVID-19 early in the outbreak among Jimma university medical center visitors, Southwest Ethiopia. PloS one 15(5): e0233744.
- (2020) UNICEF, Creating awareness about covid-19.
- Akalu Y, Ayelign B, Molla MD (1949) Knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19 among chronic disease patients at Addis Zemen Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Infection and drug resistance.
- Prothero A (2020) Teachers’ union gives guidance for schools on coronavirus. Education Week, 11 February 2020.
- WHO (2018) Managing epidemics: Key Facts about major deadly diseases Geneva: World Health Organisation?