World Health Organisation launches campaign to ‘kick out coronavirus’

JOHANNESBURG – Famous football players will be using their influence to raise awareness about the measures that can be used to curb the spread of coronavirus.

March 28, 2020

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WHO director general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus during the launch of the 'Pass the message to kick out coronavirus' campaign. Photo: World Health Organisation

The World Health Organisation, in partnership with Fifa, has launched a campaign to ‘kick out coronavirus’.

The awareness campaign will be led by world-renowned footballers, who will call on people around the world to follow five key steps to stop the spread of the disease. The ‘Pass the message to kick out coronavirus’ campaign promotes key steps for people to follow to protect their health.

These steps include handwashing, coughing etiquette, not touching your face, physical distance and staying home if feeling unwell. WHO director general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus explained that six months ago, the organisation signed an agreement with Fifa to promote a healthy lifestyle. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, they have since decided to focus their efforts to help raise awareness about what can be done to prevent the spread of the virus.

During a media briefing on 23 March, Ghebreyesus said, “Many football matches have stopped – but our collaboration has become even more important during these difficult times. In fact, it’s given us the opportunity of working together more closely than we imagined. Football can reach millions of people, especially younger people, that public health officials cannot.”

Fifa has also contributed $10 million (about R170 million) to the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Twenty-eight players are involved in the video campaign, which is being published in 13 languages.

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Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa said, “Football means so much to billions of people around the world and it is clear to me that we have to show leadership and solidarity in these difficult days.

“There are no actors in this campaign; just the players themselves and they all want to highlight the advice that is provided to all of us by the WHO.”

Alisson Becker, a Liverpool FC and Brazilian national player is a WHO Goodwill ambassador. He said, “It starts with your hands…Please wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based solution.”

FC Barcelona player and the Best Fifa Men’s Player 2019, Lionel Messi said, “Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the virus from entering your body.”

A video campaign, which will be published on player and Fifa digital channels, as well as member associations and media agencies, will be shared on social media.

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