Sustainable Villages Honduras (SVH) Brings Covid-19 Facts to the Communities
Dr. Armando Ordoñez is recognized as an expert in both Chinda Municipality and the Department of Santa Barbara.
On Saturday mornings in September 2020 a medical doctor made a Covid -19 presentation and then answered questions in 3 different Sustainable Villages Honduras (SVH) communities. These sessions were attended by more than 30 leaders…proof that people are hungry for reliable information about the pandemic. Roy and Idania organized these sessions.
Local leaders were prominently involved in introducing the doctor. Dr. Ordoñez then chose attendees to demonstrate the proper way to use masks and wash hands to prevent the spread of the virus. He stressed there is no vaccine that prevents the disease and therefore it is important to prevent exposure to the disease. He advised not participating in large social gatherings, social distancing when small groups gather, and going to the Chinda health center if symptoms occur. He also explained to be observant because the symptoms of Covid-19 and dengue fever can be confusing. He demonstrated proper hand-washing along with volunteers from the audience.
Dr. Ordoñez shows Sonia Melgar how to wash her hands to protect her from the virus.
Not only the audience benefited from these sessions. The doctor now has information about community concerns that should be addressed by officials. Roy and Idania know what steps would make the Vecinos Honduras Covid-19 response program more effective.
Dr. Ordoñez responded to Covid questions and concerns from participants:
Mother’s milk doesn’t infect babies but tiny droplets from talking, coughing or sneezes could pass the virus.
It is not true that older people do not get Covid-19. In fact the risk is greatest for older family members.
Covid-19 is a worldwide problem. If people fear being stigmatized they won’t get the treatmen and the disease will spread.
He was concerned to hear that staff at the health center are prejudiced and don’t provide good treatment. He said he would follow up with health officials int the local and department governments. Not only did the audience benefit from these sessions. The doctor now has information about community concerns that should be addressed by officials.
The intense work to organize these community meetings paid off in many ways.
Dr. Armando Ordoñez teaches health leaders in El Limón about Covid-19.