IOM COVID-19 Response:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is using radio as well as risk communication messages and materials as part of efforts to intensify community outreach efforts to stem the transmission of the coronavirus.  More than 1 million people have been reached to date in the western part of the country.

This comes as many were traveling for school, business, and to join the family for the festive season. The campaign is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented in partnership with a local media organization, Easy and Possible, that operates Isana Radio at markets and bus stations. Such facilities are among the high COVID-19 super spreaders during the festive season, especially because of the many people that visit markets to shop or use bus stations at the beginning and at the end of their journeys.

Among the campaign’s early supporters is a famous local artist. “We need to fight this together; very grateful to be part of this campaign fighting this pandemic,” said Joshua Tuyisheni, known to his music lovers as Jay Polly.   Beatrice Ayinkamiye a fish vendor at  Gisenyi Main Market said, “It is my responsibility to enforce COVID-19 measures to protect myself and others from the virus. That’s why I always remind my friends here to wear their masks and to take this message home too. I also urge my clients to pay me with mobile money.”