I am presently in Iraq where Covid-19 is an issue. Confinement is ongoing since March 14 and some people do not respect confinement for the following reasons (I identified those directly, then there might be others):
- Fear to lose livelihoods;
- Importance of local traditions, such a attending funerals;
- Fear of social dishonour: people refuse to be tested or identified if sick as they may be ostracized by the society;
- Religious belief: The virus is a divine punishment and death is at divine will so there is no need to take precautions and it is alright to expose the family to the virus;
- Distrust in local authorities: Underlying conflicts prevent authorities to communicate transparently on what is going on;
- Belief the virus is a creation from "USA and the Zionist:" some Facebook profile and shady YouTubers convey this message; and people believe they will be infected anyway.
Messages from WHO and the MoH remain very limited here because 1) the message is not adapted to the audience; 2) the message does not reach them; 3) hidden agenda; 4) no project management.
Anyone here having experience in such conditions (not necessarily health-related)? Where should we start to design a proper communication strategy and plan? What traps should we avoid? What issues did you meet?
