The information campaign “Reducing stigma associated with COVID-19” with the message “Only together we can stop pandemic and stigmatization!” was launched to prevent and combat the phenomenon of stigmatization of people associated with COVID-19. The campaign planned for two months forms part of the EU’s efforts to offer Moldova the assistance needed to combat the pandemic, in the framework of the Solidarity for Health Initiative, IPN reports.
According to a press release of the WHO Country Office, the campaign aims to combat stereotypes and social stigmatization associated with COVID-19 by promoting correct, open and empathic public communication and information and by practical examples and recommendations for supporting communities and persons affected by the pandemic.
EU Ambassador to Moldova Peter Michalko said the European Union remains close to the people of Moldova during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Besides the technical support offered until now, together with the partners from the WHO, as part of the EU Solidarity for Health Initiative, we are launching an awareness-raising campaign against the social stigma related to this disease. We hope to inform and sensitize the public and the media to aspects related to the way in which persons diagnosed with COVID-19 feel and a health approach for discussing them,” stated Peter Michalko.
WHO Representative to Moldova Igor Pokanevych said the stigma and fear for particular communicable diseases prevent their treatment. “We want the people to realize that no one is invincible and anyone can get infected and this is not a shame and we do not have reasons to hide. Correct informing, confidence in medical assistance, understanding of the disease, adoption of efficient measures, prevention, testing and, implicitly, treatment can help us take care of our safety and the safety of those dear to us,” stated Igor Pokanevych.
The activities of the campaign can be seen on the Facebook pages of the EU, WHO Moldova, UN Human Rights Office Moldova and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection.
