This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
Published on May 7, 2020, by MWONGELA MIKWA, a communications practitioner and research fellow at The New School University, New York.
With the Covid-19 pandemic spreading rapidly across the globe, it is essential for governments and health organizations to communicate effectively with their citizens to prevent further infections and save lives.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), candid communication by world leaders and global bodies is vital to reassure the world and create hope in fighting the pandemic.
Since the first positive case in Kenya over a month ago, the government has exhibited professionalism and faith in its communication on the pandemic, preparing citizens to understand the coronavirus and rally behind government measures to curb the crisis.
However, as the cases now get to the rural counties, with vulnerable populations and poor or no social amenities, it is high time to change tack fast.
The rural folk cooperate with and listen to the authorities and professionals, and aimless visits to households must cease in the era of social distancing.
Media houses have shown unprecedented support to messaging in support of the government's clarion call in the Covid-19 war, with balanced and fair reporting and expert opinion spelling victory.
Consumption of messages among the larger populations is crisp and apt, and if this war will be won in the rural areas, it will be in the vernacular radio and television studios.
But various protocols, especially on treatment, will be viewed differently among cultures, and we must cushion the affected citizens against stigmatisation.
Lastly, we must do the most important thing now — flatten the curve.
Every citizen must take responsibility and communicate with efficacy and dignity, and one day, coronavirus will be a historical concept.
