A campaign encouraging people across Africa to make their own face masks from materials found at home has brought together employees of bp, Castrol and some famous (masked) faces, to help slow the spread and save lives.

Make Your Mask is a community initiative from a group of bp and Castrol Africa employees, who noted that in some parts of the continent it is impossible to keep ‘socially distanced’ from others.

To reduce the spread of coronavirus, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a homemade face mask alongside frequent hand washing and social distancing. bp and Castrol employees have created a positive, engaging information campaign to help get the CDC’s message out.

The campaign includes a social media Make Your Mask 30 Second Challenge; community awareness through posters, radio, and other media; targeted engagement with community leaders, officials, and influential people; plus, a range of other local initiatives across Africa.

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Richard Heron, bp’s chief medical officer said: “During this global humanitarian crisis, bp wants to play a part in the fight against coronavirus, particularly in the regions where we operate. Our bp and Castrol Africa employees feel passionately that the creation and dissemination of simple educational materials around the making and wearing of homemade facemasks, along with reminders on frequent hand washing and social distancing could make a real difference. These efforts are especially relevant for saving lives in places facing challenges with overcrowding, poverty and stretched healthcare systems.”

Famous faces from across the continent, from Senegalese cultural icon YoussouN’Dour and South Africa’s Rugby World Cup winning captain Francois Pienaar are supporting #MakeYourMask.Francois said “I am helping to fight COVID-19. Will you?”

Vanguard