COVID19 AND THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

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why social workers shouldn't be left out in the fight of the Novel corona Virus Pandemic

The world is in stress and anxiety-producing times. As the media is always discussing corona virus everywhere, reports are signaling that the world is changing and everyone is under fear in this Lock down. 

The long isolation period has been linked to a number of mental issues such as stress, despair, increased anxiety, and hopelessness due to decreased job security. As of now, Uganda has over 160 confirmed cases of Covid19; I anticipate that by the time this is published, that number will have increased exponentially.  We are in the midst of a public health pandemic and social workers must be a part of the response team

Government policy makers should not only look at medical actioners  as the only essential workers in fighting Covid19, But We must acknowledge the mental disparate impact of covidid19 on those who are already living on hand to mouth or near the poverty line. Some may find their jobs don’t exist anymore, some are surviving on one meal a day, The Threat of poverty has triggered Mindset switch from Living to survival, People are suffering and this and very soon we may witness suicide cases. There should be efforts geared towards community sensitization on managing mental health issues while staying safe at home

There is no limit to the number of issues that need social work advocacy.

Joy for children as a social worker based organization we have been reaching out to people in slum communities of Kampala Through Virtual home visits carrying out counseling and guidance to Parents who desperately lost hope, during Discovery bible sessions People poured out their emotions and started feeling alive again, Theirs a lot on what social work organizations have to and they deserve a platform on the Task force

Social worker organizations can serve on ethics committees. We can volunteer to work on the committee designing the policies. We can advocate for our individual beneficiaries.  We are needed here and must ensure we do not sit on the sidelines.

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” I believe we are in these times. Let’s assert the power of social work to work alongside communities to make a change. Let’s do this now.


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