This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
On April 21, 2020, the Kenya Editors Guild, in collaboration with the Kenya Medical Association and National Nurses Association of Kenya, launched a campaign to appreciate the hard work of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The campaign, dubbed #SAA6, encourages all Kenyans to stop, clap, or honk their car horns at midday every Wednesday to show appreciation for the healthcare workers.
After participating, people are encouraged to take a photo or video of themselves and forward it to their favourite healthcare worker or frontline personnel working to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Churchill Otieno, President of the Kenya Editors' Guild, emphasized the importance of journalists' duty in finding credible information and delivering it to Kenyans, which puts many journalists at risk but also helps many avoid burdening our health workers and hospitals with sickness.
Alfred Obengo, President of the National Nurses Association of Kenya, stated that the campaign will impact the lives of healthcare workers by giving them morale and support, which is crucial in dealing with the pandemic.
Dr. Jackie Kitulu, President of the Kenya Medical Association, commended the media fraternity for thinking about healthcare workers during this critical period.
As part of the campaign, Safaricom has contributed thermal cameras worth Ksh 10 million to the Ministry of Health, which has helped increase their screening capability.
Additionally, Safaricom is considering supporting healthcare workers with a free communication package that includes 3 months' internet bundles and airtime.
Get involved in #SAA6 by pausing what you are doing at midday every Wednesday and clapping or honking your horn to signal your support and encouragement to frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.
