16 March 2022, Port Vila
Support for frontline workers, people who test positive for COVID-19 and those who have recovered from COVID-19
The Vanuatu Ministry of Health has reiterated its gratitude for COVID-19 frontline workers, including healthcare workers, and emphasizes the need for public support towards people who test positive for COVID-19 as well as those who have recovered from COVID-19.
Social stigma and discrimination against frontline workers, including healthcare workers working in quarantine, people who test positive for COVID-19 as well as survivors of COVID- 19 is an ongoing challenge in Vanuatu. It affects the individual frontline workers, patients including survivors and their families in their communities.
Acting Director of Public Health, Dr. Jenny Stephen, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that community support is a crucial component in addressing COVID-19.
“The current COVID-19 outbreak has provoked social stigma and discriminatory behaviour against people who are perceived to have been in contact with the virus, including our own healthcare workers (nurses and doctors) who are on the frontline, as well as those who have symptoms, have tested positive, and those who have recovered from COVID-19,” she said.
Social stigma has far reaching impacts within the health system as well as within communities. Within the health system stigma can drive people to hide the illness to avoid discrimination, prevent people from seeking health care immediately, and discourage them from adopting healthy behaviours.
It is important that we all play our part to build trust in our health services and the advice provided by the Ministry of Health. The support of our communities is important now to demonstrate empathy with those affected. People need to understand the disease itself, and adopt effective, practical measures to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
“Within our communities, it is important that we create an environment in which the disease and its impacts can be discussed and addressed openly, honestly and effectively,” stated Acting Public Health Director, Dr. Jenny Stephen.
The Ministry of Health would like to call on the general public, health care professionals, and religious leaders to make efforts to reduce social stigma and related issues in Vanuatu. It is important that we all work together to prevent social stigma as discrimination can have a large impact and even create further risks to the public. We can all work together to prevent social stigma by sharing factual information about COVID-19, the government’s plans, and provide support and encouragement for those in quarantine and isolation, healthcare workers and their families.
Everyone must continue COVID-19 preventative measures. Wash hands regularly, practice respiratory hygiene, and clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. Stay at home if sick and wear a mask going out or in public places. Get the COVID-19 vaccine now and a booster dose five months after completing your first vaccination course. COVID-19 vaccination protects against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
Updates on the COVID-19 situation will be provided through official sources. For more information, refer to the Ministry of Health COVID-19 website: www.covid19.gov.vu, follow the Health Promotions Vanuatu Facebook Page, or call the free 119 information hotline.
Contact details: Dorinda Bule, Communications Officer, Department of Public Health, Tel: +678 563 6472