Since the first wave of COVID-19 outbreak in Myanmar, UN-Habitat has been providing COVID-19 preventive measures to the communities in Rakhine and Yangon’s Informal Settlements, such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), soaps, hand sanitizers, and COVID-19 awareness IEC materials.
As of now, over 1,000 hand-washing stations have been installed in 8 townships of informal settlements in Yangon and Rakhine as part of the COVID-19 response activities, benefiting over 170,000 people. These activities were carried out in collaboration with community volunteers under the technical supervision of UN-Habitat staff in Myanmar in order to improve hygiene practices and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“I collaborated with UN-Habitat to build a public handwashing station,” said Daw Yi Yi Thein, the owner of a Shwe Nadi coffee shop. “I ask my customers to wash their hands before entering my shop. My employees are also reminded to practice regular handwashing. While waiting for their orders, the majority of my customers read the key messages about proper handwashing that were posted on the handwashing station.”
“My customers will be able to pass these messages on to their friends and family,” she stated confidently.