Facebook launches #MyStory campaign for Covid 19 awareness, also partnered with Gates Foundation

Facebook in partnership with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Population Foundation of India and Love Matters India has launched the #MyStory campaign, which highlights the importance of taking sustained precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Weber Shandwick India has produced 10 short films for this campaign, each focusing on telling personal and common stories about the impact of COVID-19 on our lives.

Commenting on the campaign, Manish Chopra, Director and Head of Partnerships, Facebook, said, “Ever since the pandemic began, we have been working to direct and encourage users to authentic resources on health across the globe. Working closely with experts and governments. Follow appropriate practices that can help stop the pandemic.” Conceived in collaboration with other leading health organizations, the campaign is based on how content can be leveraged to communicate the need to adhere to COVID-19 norms and encourage people to opt for vaccines. There is an element of human truth in each of these videos, depicting day-to-day examples in a relatable way.

People have had different experiences in the last one and a half years and each experience is a story in itself. The idea behind #MyStory is also to encourage these people to come forward and share their stories. On a larger scale, through this campaign, we want to ‘normalise’ the need for COVID-19 safety protocols and vaccinations. A video shows a friend who is keen to travel to Goa over the upcoming long weekend, but is scoffed at by his friend, who reminds him of the importance of following safety measures against a possible third wave.

Poonam Muttreja, Population Foundation of India said, “What makes this campaign stand out is its powerful story and many of these stories focus on women, which is important because women are vital to the health and wellbeing of their families. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected women and girls in many different ways.”