QRCS training centre creates awareness on Covid-19 safeguards

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has continued to undertake its essential role of health education for the people of Qatar, particularly in relation to prevention of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) infection. Since the crisis began, QRCS’ Training and Development Centre (TDC) has redoubled its awareness and preventive work under the umbrella of the Ministry of Public Health’s (MoPH) labour and communication committee, according to a press statement.A multifaceted action plan was outlined to promote healthy behaviour and hygiene awareness among people from different walks of life, to control the coronavirus and other infectious diseases. The plan is being implemented through co-ordination between all the departments and divisions of QRCS, and includes awareness publications, training courses and educative lectures at the centre, workers’ health centres and worksites.These informative events are instructed by 10 trainers and six volunteers, including infection control officers and health educators. The content of the lectures is taken from reliable references and taught in various languages in keeping with the backgrounds of the trainees. Among the beneficiaries covered by the lectures were QRCS volunteers and staff, MoPH volunteers, public and international schools, companies, government organisations, ministries, charities and foreign communities, in addition to those working at the Mekaines quarantine facility.Over the course of the Covid-19 response, 268 lectures and training courses were organised for the benefit of 3,243 volunteers, cleaning workers, expatriate labourers, security personnel and other professionals. During the sessions, the attendees are introduced to the origin, spread, transmission, symptoms, and treatment of Covid-19. There is a special focus on personal and collective protection, psychological support, use of personal protective equipment and swabbing.Other achievements included publishing six types of awareness printouts, totalling 730 touchless stickers and fixed and animated promotional materials, designing a Covid-19 awareness brochure in three languages (Arabic, English and Hindi), and posting it on the websites of QRCS and other interested companies and organisations.As for distance learning, three online workshops were delivered in Arabic and English, recording over 15,000 views. Also, there were four preventive workshops (live), each recording 2,500 views within 30 minutes. The list of productions extends to include a series of 13 sessions titled, ‘Protect Your Health – Covid-19’, as well as over 30 health messages on preventive tips and healthy fasting, with a wide reach on QRCS’s social media platforms.In co-operation with QRCS’s Volunteering and Local Development Division, TDC developed an innovative face shield that was produced by Qatar Scientific Club as a contribution to the Covid-19 control efforts.