15 March 2020
We stand deeply committed to support the national governments, communities we work with and our staff in the wake of the global pandemic of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
We have formed a COVID-19 preparedness task force with public health, communicable diseases, and communications experts from BRAC, BRAC International, BRAC USA, and James P Grant School of Public Health of BRAC University. The task force is closely monitoring global and local developments and advising BRAC’s senior leadership on the necessary course of actions.
We are in close contact with the relevant local public health authorities in all countries we operate in, and are being guided by their directives in every step of the way.
All of BRAC's programmes are already adapting to the evolving situation, and over the next few weeks, we will modify some of our activities, as needed, to ensure the safety of our staff, participants, clients and local communities.
Some of our proactive preventive measures are outlined below:
- We are using our digital and social media platforms to raise awareness. Relevant content on proper handwashing, respiratory hygiene and social distancing is being regularly promoted through BRAC’s Facebook page and blog.
- We are also setting up a dedicated web portal on BRAC website http://www.brac.net/ to get concrete, reliable and updated information.
- We are sharing essential protective measures and hygiene practices with our staff. This includes training, awareness sessions, communication materials and also providing them with access to handwashing and sanitising stations, gloves, and other protective materials based on their work.
- We have developed contextualised training modules on COVID-19 orientation and prevention, in accordance with WHO’s guidelines, to deploy across all BRAC and BRAC International programmes.
- We are organising Train the Trainers sessions to equip our staff on preventive hygiene and social distancing measures.
- Our community workforce will actively take part in raising awareness on preventive measures and hygiene practices.
- Online and offline internal consultation sessions are being hosted to advise all BRAC staff on how to protect themselves from COVID-19.
- We are limiting our international travel to reduce the risk of transmission in the local communities we work with.
- We are actively exploring partnership opportunities with the private sector and development partners to run joint activation and awareness campaigns.
- Our field staff will continue to work with the local government authorities and relevant partners to raise awareness on the ground.
We are grateful for your continued support and the confidence you place in our work.
Warm regards,
Asif Saleh and Dr Muhammad Musa