Monrovia – A one-hour radio and online program, aimed at broadcasting COVID-19 survivors’ stories to raise awareness, erase fear and stigmatization, reduce denial, supply advice and information, has ended with the program impacting at least 170,000 persons.
The program dubbed Survivors’ Spotlight was launched Wednesday, August 12, 2020 and ended December 5, 2020.
It was also aimed at encouraging the public to get tested after observing symptoms of COVID-19 and seek early treatment when tested positive.
The program was implemented by three alumni of the United States Exchange Program (YALI RLC Cohort – 6 and the Mandala Washington Fellowship. The fellows include Gertrude D. Toezay, Sunnie Antonio Marcar, Jr. and Amb. Emmett K-Max Paye.
The alumni are heading three separate organizations: Lend a Helping Hand Initiative, Innovation for Youth and Children’s Advancement (iYOCA) and Leading Youth to Foster Transformation in Africa (LYFT Africa).
The Survivors’ Spotlight used to be hosted by J. Korvah Beyan, a renowned Liberian Journalist and members of the Survivors’ Spotlight team.
The radio program was simultaneously broadcasted live on Survivors’ Spotlight Facebook page via zoom and on Truth FM 96.1. The program was a conduit through which COVID-19 survivors were interviewed to share their experiences including how they came down with the virus, their experiences during treatment and illness, and what it took to overcome their plights. Most importantly, interviews focused on issues as what survivors wish they had done differently had they known more to avoid getting ill; how contracting the virus affected their lives and relationships, their work and their plans.
“Survivors’ Spotlight” also allowed callers to phone-in, ask questions, encourage survivors and provide assistance where necessary.
Not only that it gave hope to those affected by the virus, but it also served as a medium through which accurate information and awareness messages were spread. The program also provided tips and pieces of advice and warned listeners of the real risks and personal issues that came from the pandemic.
“The program imparted a total of 170,000 persons including 30 COVID-19 Survivors who participated, 84 radio callers, 20,266 online viewers, and 150,000 radio listeners. Based on the analysis of 84 callers that participated in the program, at least 7 out of 15 counties felt the impact of Survivors’ Spotlight including Montserrado, Margibi, Bomi, Nimba, Grand Bassa, and River Gee.”
Excerpts from Surviviors Spotlight Participants
J. David, Montserrado County: “Life in isolation is boring; you have to be physically and mentally ready to fast track your recovery.”
S. E. Badio, Margibi County: “I nearly killed myself because I was pregnant at the same time. But when my people talked to me and I went to the treatment center, I felt good because everything was there.”
R. T. Gaye, Sinoe County: “I felt terribly bad because four days after my arrival at the treatment center, my wife was pronounced COVID-19 positive and she joined me for treatment. I was worried about the wellbeing of our children.”
T. Carter, Bomi County: “I felt bad, I cried when they told me that I had the virus. I was scared! I never had pressure but when they arrived with me, I started to develop pressure.”
M. Zeantoe, Nimba County: “The hospital took good care of me when I was taken at the treatment center in Nimba. The community received me well. I want to tell the public that COVID-19 is real and they should take the advice of the health authorities.”
M. Peal, Montserrado County: “I was so happy, when I went home; I started going to houses but then some of my friends started ‘ehn, ehn, ehn ehn, ehn, don’t reach here oh. They say you get the virus, don’t reach here!’”