MTN Supports Ebola Awareness Campaign

The largest outbreak of the Ebola virus disease, in history and the first in West Africa has struck with devastating speed and effect. The consequences of the outbreak are so worrying and frightening that governments far from the immediate area of infection are showing concern and taking precautions. Indeed, in an unprecedented move, the UN has created a United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response to respond to the epidemic. Ghana, which is in the neighborhood of the catchment area, has not recorded any outbreak and the government is making every effort to prevent the virus from entering the country. The authorities have reportedly put measures in place to deal with any infection showing up in the country. It is in support of this effort that MTN Ghana has taken the initiative to help create and sustain awareness among the Ghanaian public so as to help prevent behaviors that may put one at risk of contracting Ebola. MTN Ghana has employed effective communication strategies to reach out to the target audience. Billboards with information on health safety tips have been placed at vantage points to reach out to the public. One can see such huge branded billboards at the Coca Cola roundabout on the Spintex Road and on the John Evans Atta Mills High Street. Further to this, MTN has employed the use of bulk SMS messaging to get the message on the Ebola directly to members of the general public. The message sent is one that reinforces the seriousness of the disease and the need to be health conscious. Internally, MTN has conducted preventive education for its own management and staff since the outbreak of the disease. A campaign was launched by the Human Resource division which provided insights into how the disease works via sms, emails and through posters in bathrooms, offices etc. Furthermore all offices have been provided with hand sanitizers. Indeed it is worth sharing the message here as we keep fighting to prevent the spread of Ebola.