Home News in English COVID-19 SOMALIA ANALYSIS

COVID-19 SOMALIA ANALYSIS

An analysis of community attitudes and responses
to public health information on Covid-19
Produced by Somalia’s leading Media Network
Star Media Development Centre (SMDC) is a regional
communication for development organization. We use
innovative methodologies to engage the media and other key
stakeholders to ensure that the development agenda is shaped
and driven by the most affected members of Horn Africa ‘s
communities.
In serving the Somali public we have operational centers in
many location and systems of connecting directly with our
audience. We have used this unique interface with the main
populations in Somalia to provide information and data to
improve Covid-19 messaging.
This SMDC survey data is freely available to any party that can
benefit from it and improve the health security of our country.
What is COVID 19?
• Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that
cause illness ranging from the common cold to more
severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
(MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
(SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain
that has not been previously identified in humans.
• Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are
transmitted between animals and people. Detailed
investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from
civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary
camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are
circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
• Common signs of infection include respiratory
symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and
breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can
cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome,
kidney failure and even death.
World Health Organization Guidelines
Wash your hands frequently and
thoroughly, using soap and
water for at least 20 seconds.
Alternatively, use alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or
flexed elbow, then throw the
tissue in the trash.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose
or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid going to crowded places
such as religious gatherings and
maintain at least 1 meter
between yourself and others
Stay home when you are ill.
If you have a fever, a cough, and
difficulty breathing, seek
medical attention. Call in
advance.
Follow the directions of your
local health authority.
Current situation in Somalia
Confirmed Recovered Deaths
756 61 35
* The first case was confirmed in Mogadishu on 16 March 2020.
* Benadir has the highest number of cases.
* Unofficial reports indicate there are far more unreported deaths.
* This could be worse than war.
Figures as at 4
th May 2020 Source Ministry of Health Somalia
SMDC conducted a survey to establish why Somalis are not
taking the COVID 19 Pandemic seriously.
Method of Data Collection
1.On-air(Talks-shows)
2.Online(social media platforms)
3.On ground(Vox-pop)
The survey reached out Somalia citizens on various SMDC media channels
62%
38%
35%
28%
10%
10%
9%
8%
Banadir Regional Authority
Jubaland
Puntland
Hirshabelle
South West
Galmudug
Survey Coverage per Region
Why Somalis are taking the COVID-19 threat lightly?
5%
5%
14%
32%
82%
No equipments for prevention
It’s a severe disease said to affect more the elderly
Lack of awareness
It is a disease brought by God/Trust in God/Allah
The don’t belive COVID-19 is real/exists Response Male Female
The don’t believe COVID-19 is
real/exists 78% 89%
It is a disease brought by
God/Trust in God/Allah 38% 22%
Lack of awareness 22% 0%
No equipments for
prevention 8% 0%
It’s a severe disease said to
affect more the elderly 8% 0%
By Gender Total
9
10%
8%
9%
50%
55%
Banadir
Why Somalis are taking the COVID-19 threat lightly by Region?
5%
3%
10%
27%
99%
No equipments for
prevention
It’s a severe disease
said to affect more
the elderly
Lack of awareness
It is a disease
brought by
God/Trust in
God/Allah
The don’t believe
COVID-19 is
real/exists
Puntland
8%
1%
43%
10%
43%
Jubaland
5%
10%
20%
82%
15%
Hirshabelle
50%
10%
50%
40%
80%
25%
33%
50%
67%
77%
Galmudug South West
10
Summary on why Somalis are taking the COVID-19 threat lightly?
 The top 3 reasons why the Somalis’ don’t take the pandemic seriously is
that ,COVID19 doesn’t exist /not real at 82%,the disease is brought by
God/Allah and they trust in him,32% and Lack of awareness at 14%.
 Majority of the male respondents mentioned that the disease is brought
by God/Allah and they trust in him at 38%, while the female at 22%.
 89% of the females says that COVID19 doesn’t exist, more than their male
counterparts at 78%.
 The believe that the pandemic doesn’t exists cuts across all the regions.
 Lack of awareness featured in some regions i.e
Jubaland,Hirshabelle,Galmudug and South West.
11
Summary on why Somalis are taking the COVID-19 threat lightly?
 67% of the female agrees on taking the directives of government
seriously on the preventive measures.
 All regions mentioned taking directives of the
government/preventive measures as an important measure of
combating the pandemic.
12
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