Benin launches digital offensive against COVID-19

Benin republic has set up a range of digital platforms to help combat the spread of coronavirus and prevent the misinformation surrounding the disease.

According to a renowned journalist, Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, who spearheads the platform, alongside Stevy Wallace and a state-appointed team of 15 people, WHO guidelines will be used to disseminate information on prevention.

He added that the team will highlight the actions being taken by authorities to deal with the unfolding crisis.

A centralized official government platform and a whatsapp messaging system will also be made freely accessible to all mobile phone users in the country to help the team communicate directly with citizens in Benin and the Diaspora.

“The official information is being very well relayed on social networks. Internet users are interacting expansively with the channels through questions comments, contributions and criticism,” Wallace said.

He however stated the challenge being faced with the inaccessibility of the digital platforms to those without the internet access and those who are illiterate.

He stated that, “The big challenge for us is that we cannot reach certain sections of the population who do not have internet access or who are illiterate.”

“So we need each internet user to pass on the correct information in their homes, their neighborhood, and their community. The cause must be a common one.” he added.

The team has since the onset of the programmes grown the state’s online presence and the Beninese public has taken note.

Emanuel Ganse, who runs a local startup, said, “They react very quickly to questions.”

A midwife, Nafissate Hounkpatin also commented saying, “It makes us feel closer. We feel that we are really being listened to.”