Coronavirus: Ricardo Montaner and PeaceTech Lab launch campaign to support the WHO’s efforts to combat the pandemic

They’re debuting a digital campaign aimed at regions of most need in the Americas to inspire public engagement and reinforce the prevention measures to help control the spread of coronavirus. 

April 8, 2020 (Washington, D.C.) – Amidst the coronavirus global pandemic, PeaceTech Lab partners with legendary Venezuelan singer-songwriter Ricardo Montaner to support Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, special envoy on COVID-19, to use the power of social media and technology to help counter the virus, by providing and reinforcing prevention guidelines for the rapidly spreading coronavirus in vulnerable regions in Latin America. 

Around the world, the death toll from the coronavirus reaches 83,615, while the number of active infections increased to 1,446,557, according to official data verified by WHO. The pandemic has already affected 184 countries around the world, according to the leading health agency. 

Now that WHO reports confirmed cases in every part of the world, there has been an increase in action taken by governments. However, Montaner hopes this campaign will result in more policy changes in Central and South America. 

“There is a lack of response to the coronavirus by certain governments in Latin America. COVID- 19 is a real threat to our communities. I am here with PeaceTech Lab using the amazing power of technology to help people of all ages understand that protecting themselves will lead to a faster containment of this pandemic. It is only the power that you and I have to change our own behavior that can save us. Our goal is to keep working toward a healthier, more peaceful world,” Montaner added. 

At the forefront of consistently sharing life-saving news is the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Mirta Roses led WHO in the Americas for two terms as the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This year, she was appointed as one of WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’ special envoys on COVID-19 to provide strategic advice and high-level political advocacy and engagement in the western hemisphere. 

“We can beat this virus with behavioral changes and trustworthy communication. With the numerous stay-at-home policies around the globe, technology is more prevalent and important than ever. We must share the best information digitally in order to reach our communities, so they will join health workers and governments, and all together we can overcome and control COVID-19,” Roses said. 

With a misinformation pandemic outpacing the dissemination of the disease, this digital campaign will provide a large audience with accurate information to help prevent and control COVID-19. Montaner will officially launch the campaign today, April 8, through all his social media platforms, where he holds a captive audience of nearly 20 million. 

“When public health is threatened, as it has been with this pandemic, there is a crisis. We work to keep the peace in times like these with the help of media, data and technology. I can’t think of a better way to put our mission into action than by collaborating with Ricardo Montaner to support Dr. Mirta Roses through a digital campaign to help our communities take personal actions to keep safe from COVID-19,” said Sheldon Himelfarb, President and CEO of PeaceTech Lab. 

Together, Montaner and PeaceTech Lab aim to support WHO by reinforcing that simple actions like staying home, keeping social distance, washing hands frequently and thoroughly, and practicing proper hygiene can save lives. For more information about COVID-19, and the PeaceTech Lab’s work to combat the virus in other regions of the world, visit www.peacetechlab.org. 

PeaceTech Lab is an international nonprofit established by the United States Institute of Peace, dedicated to using media, data, and technology to prevent conflict and build peaceful, thriving communities around the world. 

Media contacts:

MariaEsmeralda Paguaga, PeaceTech Lab

mariaesmeralda@peacetechlab.org

(571) 237-2290 

Meredith Hessel, PeaceTech Lab

meredith@peacetechlab.org