KARACHI: The Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) has recently launched a project aiming at creating awareness about Covid-19 among the general public, particularly shopkeepers.

Led by the APPNA Institute of Public Health-JSMU, the project aims at persuading the general public to follow preventive measures against Covid-19 based on 3Cs; closed spaces, crowded places, and closed contact settings.

It’s targeting small shops in all major areas of the city including Korangi, Orangi, Nazimabad, North Nazimabad and DHA.

“Initially, we did a survey that showed poor compliance with Covid-19 SOPs by shopkeepers. So, the team came up with a project proposal based on the survey’s findings and got it approved from the university administration,” shared Prof Lubna Ansari Baig, the dean of APPNA Institute of Public Health.

Intervention seeks to sensitise shopkeepers about SOPs

The aim was to disseminate basic information about the infectious disease and create an understanding that leads to SOPs’ compliance, especially by shopkeepers, she added.

Under the project, the team is also distributing face masks and awareness-raising posters. It plans to evaluate its effort once the project is completed after two to three months.

“While the infectivity rate will take time to go down, the project will have an impact after three months or so. The university is funding the project which we plan to extend.”

Vice Chancellor Prof S.M. Tariq Rafi described the activity as part of the university’s outreach programme of engaging with communities to help create a healthy environment.

The project directors included Prof Ghazala Usman, the head of the university’s Student Council, Dr Lubna Shaikh and Dr Hira Tariq.

“Students from various batches have joined the project voluntarily and holding community sessions at public spots. They distributed free masks to passersby, encouraged eatery owners to place hand-washing stations at their shops, placed physical distancing decals and stickers on carts, small shops, dispensaries, eateries, public washrooms, and street walls,” says a press release.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2021