Saude & Vida looks at preventive measures, disbands myths and misperceptions related to the new corona virus

Since h2n produced the first Saude & Vida television program about the new corona virus on February 5 this year, the world has changed dramatically in response to what is now a global pandemic. This Saturday, less than six weeks after the first program, the Saude & Vida team will broadcast a follow up program focused on prevention and care for high-risk groups, such as the elderly and individuals with pre-existing conditions. “We would like to focus on practical measures that people can take in their own homes,” says Mercia Guambe, who produces the program. The program will look at what people have already done to protect themselves. It will also look at ways to strengthen the immune system through generally available food products. While many people still do not see the virus as a threat to themselves, there are others who both spread and believe misinformation circulating about it on social media. “The flow of incorrect information about the virus has been referred to as an infodemic,” says Rui Lamarques, executive director of Midia Lab, who participates in the MOH’s consultative council on the response to the pandemic. This weekend’s program will therefore address common myths and misperceptions related to the pandemic. h2n works extensively with community radios in all provinces, is scaling up community video programs, broadcasts the weekly prime-time television program “Saude e Vida” on health and wellness, develops youth engagement hubs and pursues a rapidly expanding gender equality agenda.