PICOT COVID-19 Project PICOT Consortium together with Koboko radio FM will enhance community vigilance, Response and strengthen livelihoods of vulnerable refugees and host communities to effectively respond and prevent COVID-19 pandemic in Koboko District through the followingactivities:


ACTIVITIES
Objective: 1 To increase community risk communication and engagement against COVID-19 pandemic among refugees and host communities in Koboko district
A 1:1 Creation of a community perception tracking tool (CPT) through whichcommunity rumors, beliefs, ideas, concerns etc. are collected, presented and analyzed for discussion in coordination meetings.
Community perception trackingtool will be developed by PICOT MEAL officer in consultation with Oxfam. The tool will be used to track the ongoing rumors, ideas, beliefs, associated myths and concerns relating to COVID-19 and the ongoing response by government. It will be administered by PICOTvolunteers in the most suitable method without risking the available guidelines issued byMinistry of Health. Emphasis will be put to ensure volunteers observe maximum infection prevention control measures. It#s anticipated that this activity will give an opportunity to engage local communities (with focus to vulnerable) to share their views on the current response by government, communities as well as their coping mechanisms. Through this activity valid data is obtained to inform response messaging as regards myths and beliefs, redesign strategies and respond to urgent issues affecting thecommunities.

A 1:2 Run spot messages, drama and adverts in local languages on local radios guided by WHO and MoH guidelines.
PICOT together with the partner (Spirit Fm) will run radio spot messages, Deejay Mentions and adverts in selected local languagesin line with ministry of health guidelines. These messages will serve the dual purpose of addressing incorrect perceptions, believes and myths on one hand while giving new emerging messages regarding COVID-19 albeit re-enforcing the existing messageson prevention and response to COVID-19 pandemic.
A 1:3 Translate key COVID-19 messagesinto local languages and sharing them on local radios and social media.

PICOT will work with local language experts to translate available messages on COVID-19 prevention and safety practices to ensure a large section of the community who cannot speak and read in English are fully informed on the COVID-19 prevention methods. PICOT will share these messages with its social media influencers to further educate onlinecommunity on COVID-19.
A 1:4 Organize radio talk shows to address hygiene, community rumors, beliefs, ideas and concerns relating to COVID-19 pandemic
Specific radio talk shows will be conducted for key leaders (within the task force) to address specific concerns generated from community perception tools relating to ongoing government enforcement of the lack down and other guidelines but also respond to real and perceived community responses and behaviors regarding COVID-19 pandemic prevention guidelines. Theobjective will be to ensure balance in adherence while giving addressing likely excesses from the authority. Attention will be paid to women concerns and other vulnerable members in society in relation to access to public services such as health and legalservices. This talk shows will also serve to address hygiene issues communities experience.

Objective 2: To strengthen livelihoodsof vulnerable refugees in waju (lobule) settlements and self-settle Refugees through cash transfer modalities inordertosustain livelihood in the face COVID-19 Pandemic.
A 2.1 Conduct a needs assessment to map and assess the most vulnerable people to benefit from the intervention.
PICOT work within the exiting guidelines to conduct a rapid needs assessment to ascertaintherightful beneficiariesin the settlement, self-settled urban refugees and host communities.
A 2:1 Provide cash transfer for FI and NFI for vulnerable refugees who are at risk of COVID 19 for social protection (safety nets) and improving soapavailability

PICOT will work with the OPM inWaju (Lobule) settlement and assess to assess the basic needs in the face of COVID-19 lock down. These households will be provided with NFI <(>&<)> FI through a cash transfer modality to avail these essential basics to sustain their livelihood in the short run.
A2:2 Support and promote kitchen gardens for vulnerable households among refugees and host communities.
As COIVD-19 lock down is taking its toll on the local economy, there is already a challenge in availabilityand access to food items in Koboko district where refugees and the host population do not have enough food stuffs in the market due to shortage in supply but also limitation in transportation. Therefore PICOT will support Kitchen gardens for refugees andselected vulnerable households among the host communities by providing short term vegetable seeds to grow that both eaten by the families and sale to acquire other basic needs.
A 2:3 Procure and install Bulk/Mass Handwashing Facilities at market places,isolation/quarantine centers, health facilities and communal meeting places including Food Distribution Points
PICOT will procure and install hand washing facilities in selected risky prone areas such as the markets, quarantine centers, health facilities andmajor communal places. In instances where such facilities are available PICOT will provide sanitizers to ensure communities are properly embracing the safety precautions.
A 2.4 Post Distribution Monitoring.
PICOTwill conduct post distribution monitoring todetermine beneficiary certification, get feedback on the activities, document success and address immediate challenges.
Objective 3: To support frontline health service providers and Koboko District COVID-19 coordination task force toeffectively play their roles in preventing and responding to COVID-19 pandemic.
A 1:3 Procurement of IPC supplies necessary for enhanced preparedness (such as PPEs, backpack sprayers, chlorine for disinfection etc)
PICOT will work with District coordination taskforceto procure IPC supplies to enhance preparedness and protect the frontline service providers in the district as they continue to respond to following suspected cases, conduct screening at the health facility and enforcing the preventive guidelines.
A 2:3Supportvirtual conferences for District Health Coordination Meetings maintaining the physical distance recommendations.
In collaboration with district task force and other local structures PICOT will establish appropriate modalities of supportingcoordination oftask force work. Emphasis will be in providing timely communications and feedback to community concerns. Support convention of virtual meetings and disseminate action points to the relevant stakeholders.
A 3:3 Support risk mapping and communitylevelsurveillance and design of appropriate response strategies in line with MOH guidelines
PICOT will work with consortium partner and district task force to ensure effective surveillance of porous border points by providing frontlinehealth workers and other lawenforcement officers with appropriate equipment.
A 4:3 Strengthen capacity of VHTs on COVID-19 preparedness and response actions in line with MOH SOPs and Protocols)
PICOT will work in close collaboration with Oxfam and district task force to providehands on training for VHTs on COVID-19 preparedness and response. The mode of providing this training will be discussed and agreed upon.