Supporting the engagement of civil society in COVID-19 response activities is vital for effective and inclusive pandemic management. This approach recognizes the essential role that civil society organizations (CSOs) play in mobilizing resources, expertise, and community connections to address the diverse challenges posed by the pandemic.
By actively involving CSOs in COVID-19 response activities, governments, and stakeholders can tap into their local knowledge, networks, and grassroots presence. CSOs bring unique perspectives and insights that help tailor interventions to specific communities, ensure equity in service delivery, and foster community ownership of response efforts.
Supporting the engagement of civil society involves providing them with the necessary resources, capacity-building opportunities, and collaborative platforms to contribute effectively. This may include financial support, access to information and data, training programs, and platforms for dialogue and partnership.
Civil society organizations play a critical role in raising awareness, disseminating accurate information, and countering misinformation about COVID-19. They engage in community outreach, delivering essential services, and providing support to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, marginalized groups, and those facing socio-economic hardships.
Furthermore, civil society engagement fosters transparency, accountability, and public trust in pandemic response efforts. It encourages collaboration between governments, CSOs, and other stakeholders, enabling more coordinated and inclusive decision-making processes.
The support for civil society engagement in COVID-19 response activities also extends to advocating for an enabling environment that upholds fundamental rights, freedom of expression, and access to information. It recognizes the importance of protecting and empowering civil society actors to carry out their vital work without undue restrictions or threats.
By actively involving civil society in the COVID-19 response, governments, and stakeholders can harness the collective strength, resilience, and expertise of diverse communities. This approach ensures that response efforts are comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people affected by the pandemic.
Overall, supporting the engagement of civil society in COVID-19 response activities is essential for fostering inclusive, sustainable, and effective pandemic management. By working together, governments, CSOs, and communities can navigate the challenges of the pandemic, promote resilience, and build back better for a healthier and more equitable future.
COVID-19 RESPONSE
| project brief
Funding authority Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (ADAB) World Health Organization (WHO) Project Duration 6 months. Key Project Activities Awareness through local miking, mosque miking, community meetings, sensitization meetings, and distribution of leaflets & festoons. |
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| With the emergence of COVID-19, MOMODa FOUNDATION has taken a couple of prompt initiatives like online & offline awareness campaigns, providing open space handwashing facilities, distributing liquid soaps, and managing relief operations among the disadvantaged population.
All these activities are continuing since the beginning of 2020 with MOMODa’s internal resources. This year, MOMODa FOUNDATION, in collaboration with ADAB and WHO, is executing a COVID response project titled “Supporting Engagement of the Civil Society for COVID-19 Response Activities” in different Wards in Dhaka South City Corporation (ward numbers 16, 17 & 21). The overall objective of this project is to develop awareness among the general citizen and engage local government representatives in the process. The specific objectives are:   |
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- Information internalization by the vulnerable communities on the importance of proper use of masks, by changing their behaviors.
- Ensuring participation of and engagement with relevant communities, especially vulnerable groups and populations.
- Mitigating barriers to implementation and uptake of COVID health measures.
- Ensuring effective feedback mechanisms to ensure two-way communication between health/response authorities and communities, the public, and stakeholders.
To combat COVID-19, we initiated campaigns about social distancing, mask-wearing, and the use of hand sanitizer.
A community-driven approach has been followed where community members themselves assess constraints, opportunities, and resources, discuss strategies and solutions, plan activities and monitor their implementation.
MOMODa tried to engage government and NGO frontline workers in this campaign. Community volunteers are also connected to the campaign program.
The project will continue for up to 30 September 2021.