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Risk Communication and Community Engagement

COVID-19 IN SURINAME Version: 07 mei 2020 Status: Draft 2.0

Context The motive for this plan for Risk Communication and Community Engagement follows the

global pandemic for COVID-19. Suriname identified its first COVID-19 case on March 13,

2020. This risk communication and engagement plan informs the objectives, audiences

and actions needed to inform and communicate with the stakeholders in Suriname

society on COVID-19 and the consequential mitigation measures from the National

COVID-19 Management Team.

The plan is set up with the following starting points in mind:

• Limitations in our health-system cause Suriname to look at COVID-19, and treat it

as an acute crisis situation for Suriname; possibly developing into a disaster

• The Government will be in the lead during the COVID-19 crisis with regards to:

o Measures for prevention, preparation, control, response and after care

o All communication involved

• The Government tasked a coordination team (called the NCMT) with the overall

COVID-19 crisis management

• The Government views the mitigation measures for COVID-19 and its

communication as an integral part of its policy in the coming months

• Providing proper healthcare is the number one goal above all else

o The Ministry of Health determines the directives for the NCMT

o The focus is on relieving the health care system by flattening the curve in

an early stage

• Effectiveness of communication is key

o Communication should be trustworthy, timely and clear

o Communication should cover both the receiver’s information and

emotional needs

o Partnerships should be created to distribute the right information coming

from the Ministry of Health and/or NCMT

The guiding principles for the COVID-19 related communications, are:

• Life over livelihoods

o When the health situation becomes manageable, this will progress into a

focus on livelihoods

• Trustworthiness in communication

• Timeliness in communication

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1. Objectives 1.1 What are the objectives of an RCCE (at all levels of the response, including community

engagement) focusing on behaviors and actions to support public health interventions

and ensure participation and accountability towards at-risk and affected populations

and communities?

The main objectives of the risk communication and community engagement plan are:

1. To ensure that people have the life-saving information they need to protect

themselves and others (from the virus and to reduce its impact on health, social

life, and the economy).

a. To ensure that healthcare workers know how to engage with patients and

care givers, detect possible cases, communicate with patients about

COVID-19, and report to the relevant health authorities and also to protect

themselves in context of their exposure to the disease.

b. To ensure timely and culturally sensitive distribution of information to all

peoples in the country to make them self-sufficient in displaying desired

behavior, and to increase mutual social control.

2. To position the Government, and its National COVID-Management Team, as the

main/first trusted source of information about COVID-19.

a. To inform the general public how the public health response is being

conducted and the Government is pro-active in monitoring the situation

around COVID-19.

3. To ensure effective feedback mechanisms are in place and used to ensure two-

way communication between health/response authorities and communities, the

public and stakeholders.

The most important factors in the messaging are:

1. Show the path to help yourself/your loved ones in several situations:

a. Prevention and preparatory measures: hygiene information

b. How to take care of people

c. Where to find (extra) information

d. How to act within measures: what is allowed/not allowed

2. Explain the road ahead: what can we expect?

3. Use storytelling and pictures to explain the virus, hygiene measures and the risks

involved

4. Use urgency to move people into desired behavior (e.g. do this now, otherwise

this will happen tomorrow)

1.2 Is there existing evidence/rapid assessment data/KAP supporting the objectives?

The following are assumptions on the existing knowledge, attitudes and behaviors

amongst the population, based on an assessment of conversations had in the past two

weeks, and a thorough knowledge of our people, coming from past research:

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Knowledge

Knowledge on COVID-19 amongst Suriname population (around April 1, 2020 – two

weeks after the first confirmed positive case in Suriname) was increased through a

thorough media campaign. People in general know this:

- This sickness is a bad flu; maybe combined with TBC-like features

- The virus is transmitted by people

- We should wash our hands

- We should stop shaking hands or give hugs

- We should use a paper towel when we cough/sneeze

- We should stay in our houses

- Social distancing: not more than 10 people and we should sit apart from each

other (2 meters)

Please note though that people might know these measures, but they might at the same

time not be in the position to abide by this knowledge because of their living conditions

in e.g. remote tribal communities without water taps or access to paper wipes.

Attitudes & Beliefs

Suriname’s attitudes and beliefs on sicknesses or crises could be described as: looking for

authority in either people or higher powers like trust in God’s Will and trust in cultural

customs. In general people belief we shall overcome if we keep faith or follow the rules.

A threat to spreading the right, scientific information is that Suriname people trust stories

over facts.

Denial

- I feel good, so I am not sick

- I don’t want to be a pariah in society, so I’ll keep my sickness to myself (shame)

- I am strong enough, if I caught it, it will disappear on its own (mostly men)

- If I don’t shake hands, I won’t get sick

- If we wash our hands, we won’t get sick

Stories over facts

- The Government can’t make me stay at home

- This Government is bad, so I think their advice in this will be bad, too / I heard XYZ

via Whatsapp, so I think the Government is hiding facts to make themselves look

good

- But this other person said XX/ I read YY on social media; is the Government right?

- I think, I know better / I can decide for myself

- If we keep repatriates outside our borders, we won’t get sick

- The virus is caused by 5G

- I read on Facebook that we should wear masks, the government is trying to fool

us

Trust in higher powers

- The Government will do everything they can to keep us safe

- I believe my dresi’s (local natural medicines) will heal me, so I don’t worry too

much

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- The Government should take care of me

- God will save us

- When this virus spread, nobody can save us, not the President, not the Granman/

Head Chief of the Tribe

- We have to pray for power to fight the virus

- God is punishing us for mistreating earth

Cultural customs

- I can’t leave my mom (cq. family member) alone / I have to take care of those

around me / I’ll just quickly go by XX and bring them food

- I can’t stay inside/not see my friends or families for too long (culture)

- Suriname’s health system is so weak, everybody should listen otherwise we are all

doomed

Behavior

Suriname behavior in times of crisis could be described as: hold back, helpless/victimized,

adaptive, which makes people in general obedient and dutiful towards authority:

- Maybe I am a bit sick, but I could just go to X,Y,Z very quickly. I’ll watch out.

- I go to work, otherwise I don’t get paid

- I will go mad, if I can’t go out and roam the streets

- I don’t go to the doctor, because of only a “flu”

- I don’t go to the doctor/call a helpline, because they will make me stay at home

- I will only visit my close family

1.3 What are the issues that need to be addressed by the RCCE strategy?

Issues to be addressed by the RCCE Strategy:

1. Rebuild trust in Government as information source: create a trustworthy

communication channel

o Pick trustworthy spokespeople; 2-3 spokespeople are advised to resonate

with various audiences in society. (See Annex I for a profile for the

spokespeople)

Please note that these spokespeople might change during the

course of the crisis depending on what is needed in tone, empathy

and urgency.

2. Translate messaging into storytelling and culturally appropriate instructions

Although it is an oversimplification, this would be the rule of thumbs:

o If we want to emphasize the threat: use the English words

o If we want to increase understanding or reassure them: use Dutch, mixed

with local language

o If we want people to act (do/don’t do something): use local language

3. Use multiple outlets to reach people within their various frames of references

o Partner with stakeholders to do so on the basis of confirmed information

from the Ministry of Health of NCMT

4. Give people the tools to help them conform to the health instructions and help

them prepare (emotionally, economically, socially) for what is coming

o The assumption here is that people would want to conform

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2. Audiences

The main audiences will be divided into vulnerable groups, at-risk groups and strategic

groups relating to the COVID-19 crisis.

2.1 Who are the audiences for your activities?

Vulnerable groups

- Health care workers

- Hospital management

At-risk groups

- Elderly 60+ years of age

- People with underlying diseases and their carers

- Nursery home carers

Strategic groups

- Media workers, as a distributor of information to the population

- Mothers, who will keep their families save and are informal influencers in their

communities

- Business owners and higher managers, to inform their employees and take

preparatory measures

- Government team, to decide and prepare for decisions and next actions

Note that in reaching out to these audiences the messages need to be aligned to the

frame of reference of the specific audience. Suriname’s richness of cultural, ethnic and

religious diversity as well as the wide variation in life circumstances makes for a broad

spectrum of frame of references within one target audience.

2.2 Who are the influencers, gatekeepers, decision makers and practitioners in the

different communities that must be engaged to mobilize interventions?

- Political parties: to ensure just information is given and to have them help distribute

information to their constituencies

- Religious organizations: to help inform their congregations with the right

information. Make sure they can help people with giving them the right

information in order for them to be able to conform to measures, lift the shame on

sickness/mental health issues coming from measures and to spread relieve for

stress/anxiety regarding the pandemic

- Networking groups e.g. the Rotary to help produce and distribute information

- Traditional authorities: to inform their tribes on what is happening, what should be

done

- Primary Health Care practitioners, both in interior, districts, coastal area: to inform

these workers to protect themselves and how to inform their patients

- Entertainers, such as musicians and comedians, to reach young people and not-

so-literate people

- Embassies to reach migrants, foreigners, tourists staying in Suriname

2.3 What other government sectors need to coordinate engagement and

communication activities with your health authorities?

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- The Ministry of Regional Development through their District Offices and BIC’s

(Civilian Information Centers)

- The Ministry of National Resources to coordinate with the biggest production

companies (Gold mining multinationals, Oil companies) and informal small-scale

miners in the interior

- The Ministry of Education to inform educators at all levels

o Note: not only on COVID-19 and hygiene but also on next steps when and

how education will restart

- The Ministry of Trade, Industries and Tourism on advice/measures for various types

of businesses

2.4 What local partners will need to respond to requests for support?

These partners are important to include for their specific role as an information source or

distributor.

For their role as authorities in social networks in especially the interior:

- Primary Health Care Workers (Medische Zending) for the interior

- National Army

- National Voluntary Corps

Both, for their role as information amplifier to the wider public, and as partner to the

government (as essential business for the socio-economic situations):

- Supermarket owners / Importers

- Drugstores

- Local essential companies such as alcohol producers, soap producers, bakeries,

farmers, media

- Embassies

2.5 Who do you want to communicate with?

Primary audience (most at risk / vulnerable population: People in affected

neighborhoods, People in at-risk areas, Migrants, Refugees, Travelers, Schools and school

children, Businesses, Caregivers, Elderly, Other.)

- Health care workers and Hospitals

- At-risk groups: Elderly and People with underlying Diseases

- Caregivers a.o. mothers

Secondary audience (people who act as spokespeople or representatives, influencers,

agents of change, etc.)

- Businesses

- Religious organizations

- Political organizations

- Civil society

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3. Actions/Activities

3.1 How will you engage in two-way communication with the different audiences

identified?

Communication should be centralized as much as possible.

Communication should come from one recognizable sender.

Hereto the following should be set up:

- Branding of the sender, in Suriname the National COVID-19 Management Team

consisting of multiple departments

o A branding for COVID-19 was set up including communication channels

(See Annex II)

- One central accessible database with all relevant information around COVID-19

for various target groups

o The website https://covid-19.sr was set up (See Annex III)

o Instead, a page on existing government information channels like the gov.sr

website would suffice.

- One database with health information (leaflets, brochures, videos, etc) should be

set-up as a source for businesses, organizations, and people who want to share

this in their communities

Note: the information should be available in Dutch, English, Chinese, and

Portuguese. Information in Sranantongo and tribal languages should be available

in a spoken version.

o This should still be set up. It is advised to create a category for this on

https://covid-19.sr

o The audio information in Sranantongo and tribal languages should be

distributed to the interior radio channels (20+ channels) via the National

Information Institute.

- A forum for questions and answers for the public

E.g. a regular press conference or Q&A sessions with the public on social media.

o A daily press conference is being used as source to inform the public

directly

Journalists could ask their questions live

o Q&A questions from the general public should be included in the press

conference or via a talkshow with experts on national channels on tv and

radio (STVS, SRS)

o Additionally, a Whatsapp number is set up for media questions

o A section with Frequently Asked Questions is created on https://covid-19.sr

o An email address was created for questions from the public, and is

answered regularly: crisis@covid-19.sr

o A direct phone number for NCCR was set up: 144

o A direct (free of charge) phone number was set up for general health

questions on COVID and as an alarm number for COVID-suspect cases: 178.

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o A Whatsapp number was created for direct health related questions on

COVID

- Training for people working in the helpdesk on how to deal with customers, how

to answer what type of questions, on how to redirect people to other information,

on how to report internally on the calls and treatments.

- Training for people working with the website and incoming emails on how to

administer the incoming information, how to answer questions/requests, how to

distribute information internally, how to find the correct information,

when/how/why to update the information on the website.

- Small information sessions with the leaders of community organizations such as

political organizations, religious organizations, tribal authorities, fishery

organizations, markets, Chinese organizations.

- Check-in with second line health organizations such as the 1-2-3-Kindertelefoon

(children help line) and psychologists on number of COVID-related questions to

decide if specific follow-up action is needed.

See Annex IV for the media channels.

3.2 What are the key suggested interventions?

Audience/

Stakeholder/Partner

Actions/Steps Required Information or guidance needed

Vulnerable Groups

Health care workers

• Wear protective clothing, masks and gloves to

protect themselves from COVID-19 infection

• Report cases with COVID-19 symptoms for

testing • Inform patients on what to do in prevention,

especially at-risk patients, and patients that visit the doctor regularly for advice

• Report on issues/concerns from specific

patients caused by COVID-19

• Needed: awareness of COVID-19 threat and

situation in the country, information on

COVID-19 prevention equipment, guidance on

how to report cases for testing

• Information related to perceptions of risk

and possible barriers to the uptake of these

actions is required to be able to engage with

the audiences and negotiate change of

practices

• Identify behaviors, perceptions and

information needs in patients

• Information to give to patients to best equip

them in all circumstances (also in rural/interior

areas)

• Support with information/tips on psychological

needs

Hospital

management

• Prepare for enough protective clothing, masks,

gloves and medical equipment for the staff

• Analyze number of cases with COVID-19

symptoms & treatment plans

• Raise awareness of COVID-19 signs,

symptoms, and severity

• Information on threats and situation in the

country, and scientific information globally

• Two-way dialogue on strategy and steps to

take

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• Report on cases, issues, ongoing operations

and observations/concerns to Ministry of

Health

• Inform staff on procedures and national crisis

plan

At-risk groups

At-risk people: elderly

60+ and people with

underlying diseases

(and their carers)

• Create information point for information on

COVID-19 and measures in Suriname • State urgency for the factors that put people at

risk for COVID-19 • Communicate what I can do in prevention • Communicate what I can and cannot do

anymore

• Raise awareness of COVID-19 signs,

symptoms, and severity.

• Increase knowledge of steps to prevent

COVID-19 infections

Nursery homes

carers

• Wear protective clothing, masks and gloves to

protect themselves from COVID-19 infection.

• Report cases with COVID-19 symptoms for

testing • Inform clients on COVID-19 and measures • Report on specific concerns or observations

• Raise awareness of COVID-19 signs,

symptoms, and severity.

• Increase knowledge of steps to prevent

COVID-19 infections

• Information to give to patients to best equip

them in all circumstances (also in case of less-

able patients)

• Support with information/tips on psychological

needs

Strategic groups

Media workers • Inform media workers on official information

channels and contact points from Government

on COVID-19

• Inform media workers on lexicon regarding

COVID-19

• Report on COVID-19 developments in

Suriname, and globally

• Ask for clarification on measures, strategy and

information needed by the public

•

• Raise awareness of COVID-19 signs,

symptoms, and severity

• Identify sources of credible, updated

information

• Communicate status of COVID-19 in the

country and globally

• Understanding of what health officials and

partners are doing to prevent spread and

reduce disease harms

•

Mothers • Create information point for information on

COVID-19 and measures in Suriname • Communicate on what is COVID-19 • Communicate who is at risk • Communicate what I can do in prevention • Communicate what I can and cannot do

anymore

• Raise awareness of COVID-19 signs,

symptoms, and severity.

• Increase knowledge of steps to prevent

COVID-19 infections (a.o. Government

measures)

Business owners /

Managers

• Create information point for information on

COVID-19 and measures in Suriname

• Inform businesses on the official information

channels and contact points from Government

on COVID-19

• Report on specific concerns

• Increase knowledge of steps to prevent

COVID-19 infections (a.o. Government

measures)

• Identify sources of credible, updated

information.

• Communicate status of COVID-19 in your

country and globally.

• Raise awareness of COVID-19 signs,

symptoms, and severity.

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Government team • Create information meeting on COVID-19,

global situation and measures in Suriname

• Create policy team to discuss and execute

supporting measures in fighting COVID-19

• Keep informed on status in Suriname, and

globally

• Report on cases/issues/concerns from specific

target groups caused by COVID-19

• Understanding of what health officials and

partners are doing to prevent spread and

reduce disease harms.

• Identify behaviors, perceptions and

information needs – especially emotional,

social needs

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4. RCCE Capacity 4.1 What capacity do you need on your team to implement the action plan? Develop

terms of reference as needed.

Talent should be sourced from different government departments, a.o. National

Information Institute, and healthcare institutes, to work together:

- Strategic Communication expert

- Health Communicator or somebody from National Health Ministry

- PR Specialist

- Media expert

- Community Information/Engagement Officers

- Data administrator & analyst

- Text writer

The Communication team has:

• an advisory role to NCMT with regards to type, tone of voice, timing, formulation

and spokesperson per message

• a coordinating role with regards to execution of the media plan with media outlets

and third parties

See Annex V for a sketch of the internal communication lines.

4.2 What materials, job aids and other resources will be required to reach needed

capacity?

- Communication materials – flyers, infographics, videos, radio messages,

newspaper adverts – on:

o COVID-19 characteristics and symptoms

o How to prevent COVID-19

o COVID-transmission and contagiousness

o Government Rules/Measures to deal with COVID

And what these words mean e.g. quarantaine vs. isolation

o Detailed guidelines on what is required from me when: (i) I have to travel

outbound, (ii) I want to travel back to Suriname, (iii) go to the store, (iv) go

to work, (v) how to treat my customers

o Information on the road ahead (“traffic light” to inform society on the

phases in managing the virus, which is based on medical parameters and

includes the measures per phase – see Annex V)

- Location for press conference including needed preparatory hygiene materials;

including technology for live broadcasting

- Support from media shows such as call-in programs, talkshows to distribute

accurate information and host specific shows on COVID-19

- Regular information updates on actualities per phase, e.g. on the context for

anticipated actions, on measures and their progress/results, data on the

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virus/cases, encountered situations and reaction to this, and at a later stage the

transition ‘back to normal’

o Audiovisual Statements by Government

o Videos

o Written

o Radio/Audio

- Monitoring of social media, radio talk shows for themes or issues that seem to be

unclear to people

- Translation (English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Sranantongo, tribal

languages and sign language for press conferences)

- Accessible website; enough capacity to host video’s etc. Accessible to all

operating systems and devices.

5. Monitoring

See Annex VII for the logframe used for monitoring the goals of the RCCE.

6. Budget

Make sure you develop a proper budget for the strategy. When financial resources are

tight, plan on implementing the communication strategy in phases, addressing first the

highest priority objectives and audiences.

Type Category Description Amount (SRD)

Information Materials

Design This is covered by a contract between BOG and the Rotary

Production This is covered by a contract between BOG and the Rotary

Distribution Media buy-in, apart from government channel (channel 8.3)

RCCE Capacity Key-team If these are government personnel there is no additional cost

Translators

Monitoring Surveys

Data analysis

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ANNEXES

Annex I

Profile for spokes people

There should be a team of 2-3 spokespeople having the following traits:

Spokesperson 1: political part, a representative of the Government

- Peoples’ person

- Understanding, soft spoken tone

- Emphatic

- A natural connector

Spokesperson 2: measures part, e.g. a representative of National Security

- Clear communicator

- Strict, but likeable demeanor

- Orderly thought process

Spokesperson 3: context part, e.g. a representative of the Ministry of Health

- Clear communicator

- Emphatic

- Orderly though process

- Speaks with authority because of expertise

The phase in the process and the challenges at hand depict which spokesperson is somewhat more in the lead.

The rule of thumb would be:

No Cases Sporadic Cases Clusters of Cases Community Transmission

Spokesperson 3 gives context on what is happening in the world, not yet in Suriname; What precautions are being taken and why. Spokesperson 1 & 2 not yet involved.

Spokesperson 1 explains the changed situation and measures.

Spokesperson 3 explains the health situation, biggest risk for what groups, and advices on how people can keep themselves save.

Spokesperson 1 gives context

Spokesperson 2 explains elevated measures

Spokesperson 3 explains situation, capacity, needed cooperation

Spokesperson 1 Explains severity of information

Spokesperson 2 explains elevated measures

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Spokesperson 2 explains in more details how these measures would work and explains enforcement.

Spokesperson 3 explains situation, needed cooperation, preferred behavior, health advice

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Annex II Covid-19 branding

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Annex III Covid-19 Website

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Annex IV Media channels accessible to NCMT

Kanaal Doel Doelgroep Type

Covid-19.sr 1. Up-to-date information on statistics

around COVID-19 cases in Suriname

2. Information source for general

questions on COVID for various

target groups

3. Focal point for information from and

with the NCMT

4. Updates on government measures

regarding COVID-19

5. React to misinformation; to prevent

infodemics

- Educated Surinamer

(level: > Mulo)

- Surinamer in coastal

area

- Surinamers outside the

country, wanting to

travel back

- Foreigners in Suriname

1) Statistics

2) Questions & Answers

3) Database information

material

4) Liveblog- updates on public

and private

interventions/news

5) Lexicon

Note: information should be

available in Dutch and English

Daily live presss

updates

1. Share undistorted information directly

from the source to society

2. React to misinformation in a direct

manner

3. Provide context for measures

4. Engage people in necessity of

measures

- Wider society

- Media

1) Updates

2) Background information/

Context

3) Answer questions from

media and society

(create a feedback loop for

direct questions from the

public)

4) Nullify fake news

Covid-19 & BOG

Social Media

1. Provid correct and up-to-date

information

12-40 Years of age 1. Shareable graphical

content with facts on

COVID-19 a.o. lexicon

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National

Information Institute

1. Press releases from the government

regarding COVID-19

2. Statements or announcements from

Government regarding COVID-19

- Surinamers (level: >

Mulo) interested in

actualities

- Media

1) Update messages from

government institutes and

departments

2) Liveblog measures and

updates

Politici (DNA en

Regering)

1. Reinforce positive behaviour

2. Nullify fake news/misinformation

3. Reach specific target groups with

accurate COVID information

BOG (178 hotline) 1. Share health and hygiene advice - People with health

related questions

regarding COVID-19

1) Health and hygiene advice

Primary Health Care

(a.o. Medische

Zending and RGD)

1. Information on COVID-19 and

measures

2. Health and hygiene advice in the

districts

- People in districts

Please note that the people in the interior and not-so-literate people seem underrepresented in this schedule.

These people should be reached through specifically designed media productions that are distributed through TV, radio,

whatsapp and spoken announcement in the communities.

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Annex V The traffic light model regarding the phases in responding to COVID-19 and the main communication efforts in each of these

stages.

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Annex VI Communication Lines Communication and NCMT

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Annex VII Logframe for monitoring execution of RCCE

DESCRIPTION What do we want to accomplish?

INDICATORS How do we measure this? (KPI)

VERIFICATION On the basis of what sources?

ASSUMPTIONS/RISKS What do we need to take into account?

Goal 1 To ensure that people have the life-saving information they need to protect themselves and others (from the virus and to reduce its impact on health, social life, and the economy).

- Number of positive cases - Number of spreading - Number of people healed - Number of people ill, but not hospitalized

- Tests by the Ministry of Health - Statistics in the Ministry of Health - Cases called in through 178

- Sense of urgency amongst population needs to stay high when number of cases seem to stay steady

- Info fatigue in population on COVID

Sub-Objectives

1.1 To ensure that healthcare workers know how to engage with patients and care givers, detect possible cases, communicate with patients about COVID-19, and report to the relevant health authorities and also to protect themselves in context of their exposure to the disease.

- Number of possible COVID-cases indicated through hospitals vs. primary care workers - Number of questions from health care workers to hospital management or Ministry of Health - Numbers of positive cases amongst healthcare workers

- Tests by the Ministry of Health - Statistics in the Ministry of Health - Data set of incoming questions from healthcare workers from Ministry of Health

- Ensuring to keep the Ministry of Health in drivers’ seat

- “Over-expertise” of our experts has a risk of public discussion on the ‘right’ management of the crisis

- Unified knowledge on how to act, when.

1.2 To ensure timely and culturally sensitive distribution of information to all peoples in the country to make them self-sufficient to react and to increase mutual social control.

- Number of positive cases - Number of spreading - Number of people able to name symptoms and precaution measures they should take - Number of issues reported to 178 or 144 of possible issues or “misconduct”

- Tests by the Ministry of Health - Statistics in the Ministry of Health - Survey data - Minutes from call-in meetings of the Ministry of Regional Development with traditional authorities and District Commissioners - Data set “misconduct” cases called in through 178 or 144

- Ability for data administration & management by public offices

- Timely distribution of information outside coastal area

- Correct translation of the information into tribal language; also appropriate for their realities/ situation

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Outputs

- Brochures, Posters, Flyers on: hygiene/washing hands, social distancing, face masks, COVID-symptoms, contact information, what to do when having symptoms

- Videos and radio messaging on: hygiene/washing hands, social distancing, face masks, COVID-symptoms, contact information, what to do when having symptoms

- Text messages with tips - COVID-19.sr website as central forum for all information - Press conferences - Press releases - Government Statements

Goal 2 To position the Government, and its National COVID-Management Team, as the main/first trusted source of information about COVID-19.

- Number of questions received from society through email - Number of questions from the public asked on press conference - Number of newspaper articles quoting government officials/NCMT information

- crisis@covid-19.sr - Press conference data report - Online news & Newspapers (DWT, Starnieuws, Times of Suriname, SR Herald, Dagblad)

- Risk: long or too many internal communication lines

- No clear direction within NCMT - Info fatigue due to too long

press conferences

Sub-objectives

2.1 To inform the general public how the public health response is being conducted and the Government is pro-active in monitoring the situation around COVID-19.

- Number of questions on procedures/guidelines - Number of clicks on articles on procedures/guidelines - Number of shares on social media on articles around procedures/measures

- Press conference - Covid-19 website - deboodschap.today - Facebook

- Fake news - Incidents where bad

management occurs - News from international

sources, on situations/countries who deal with other circumstances

2.2 To ensure consistency in information and language from all partners and avoid misinformation/rumors.

- Use of terms in news articles - Number of clicks on fake news alerts

- Online news & newspapers (DWT, Starnieuws, DeBoodschap, Times of Suriname, SRHerald) - Covid-19 website

- Timely response on fake news - Sectoral approach to the crisis

leads to too many spokespeople and increases the risk of misalignment in information

Outputs

- Press conference updates on management of crisis

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- Definitions on terms used on website use simplified Traffic light to explain phases

Goal 3 To ensure effective feedback mechanisms are in place and used to ensure two-way communication between health/response authorities and communities, the public and stakeholders.

- Number of incoming questions through email - Number of (serious) incoming calls at 178 - Number of incoming information requests through embassies/consulates - Number of information sharing meetings between Ministry and health providers

- crisis@covid-19.sr - 178 data set - Data set on questions from Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Meeting notes by Ministry of Health

- Prank calls - A lot of repetition of information is needed; as people do not read

Outputs

- Information sharing sessions hosted by Ministry of Health - FAQ’s on website - FAQ’s answered via live press conferences - Infosheets with answers, guidelines, instructions for Embassies/Consulates,

Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Natural Resources and community organizations