Person 1: A refuge from misinformation about COVID |

Hadeel Al-Zoubi is a senior camp assistant working in two camps (Zaatari and Azraq) accommodating Syrians who fled their war-torn country. I told UN news how I fought COVID-19 The misinformation helped her overcome her own and others’ reluctance to get a vaccine.

“When Corona Virus At first, everyone feared this unknown epidemic. We didn’t know what to expect, especially during the lockdown when many people started working remotely. As a frontline worker in refugee camps, I have supported over 300 vulnerable women on a weekly basis.

I could see the burden of confinement measures gradually increasing for them, especially for mothers. I was always worried that I might pass the virus on to women or infect myself.

as an example

I was relieved only in 2021, when the government announced that vaccines would be available. However, at first I was reluctant to take the vaccine.

There was a lot of misinformation circulating at the time. I started reading more about it, to do some research. After one session organized by the office and Who is theAs one of the doctors explained the basic scientific facts to us, I decided to get the vaccine.

My mother didn’t want to have the vaccine because she heard it would affect her DNA somehow. There has been misinformation circulating that it can change a person’s skin color or negatively affect the DNA of children born to vaccinated mothers.

However, when my mom saw me while she was being vaccinated, she asked me to register her on the platform as well. I encouraged both my family and our beneficiaries to take the vaccine, to lead by example and support to complete the online registration.

After completing my two-way communication training, I now feel that I have access to the right tools and sources to tackle fake news during this critical period. Share on our WhatsApp groups verified information about COVID-19 and the vaccine with registered Syrian refugees UN WomenOasis centers in refugee camps. They provide psychosocial support and livelihood opportunities to women in order to empower them economically, through a series of projects including training in sewing, hairdressing and other educational and childcare opportunities.

Safe virtual space

The women’s centers were important because they also provided a safe virtual space to share correct information from trusted sources about the pandemic. They have completed the Ministry of Health campaign aimed at spreading awareness about COVID-19, and our awareness materials.

The women I interacted with responded positively and asked many questions about the different vaccines available, potential side effects, and what to expect after vaccination. I think they wanted to understand the facts and find out how effective vaccines are.

I usually tell the women I serve that the COVID-19 vaccine is like any other vaccine we take in our lifetime. Vaccination is the key to beating the epidemic and we must be aware of the false news and misinformation that is spreading around us. Although I am less concerned about the virus, I remain vigilant by respecting social distancing, wearing my mask, and sanitizing my hands.”