This Tuesday, April 28, the "COVID-19 Africa Crisis Committee" of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God held its fifth meeting, highlighting the importance of maintaining cooperation. On the African continent, although COVID-19 cases are not currently increasing as they are in Europe or Latin America, the situation is very complex due to the negative impact on the economy caused by containment measures against the epidemic, in addition to the drastically disrupting all the health and social services offered by Saint John of God.
Thanks to funds sent by Juan Ciudad NGO and the other European organizations present on this committee, all centers are implementing triage and have new protective materials (PPE, masks, gloves, etc.), which they have been able to purchase locally, except in Mozambique, where thermometers are unavailable.
On the other hand, all centers have held training meetings on protection protocols, and are evaluating the possibility of suspending non-essential or high-risk services. Some have already been closed, such as surgery at the SJD hospitals in Asafo (Ghana) and Tigania (Kenya).
Activity at SJD Hospital in Tigania, Kenya, in April 2020 during the COVID-19 epidemic.
In Cameroon, which currently has 1,832 cases, the situation is particularly delicate due to a cholera outbreak affecting the population served by SJD's two clinics in Yassa and Boko, and the violent conflict that has been ongoing in parts of the country for years and is affecting the BatibĂł center.
Furthermore, due to the poverty and vulnerability of the vast majority of the population served by the Hospitaller Order in the countries where it operates, all centers are carrying out awareness-raising activities, such as those in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Kenya, and delivering food to needy families from the centers in Amrahia (Ghana), Nampula (Mozambique), and Monze (Zambia).
Food delivery from St. John of God in Monze, Zambia, to a disabled woman.
In this last town, Monze, where the Holy Family Rehabilitation Center and Special Education School is located, classes for children with disabilities have been suspended, although home visits are continued, and the situation of low-income families is monitored.
In total, the funds sent so far have covered 871 million euros of the needs identified by each center, which are summarized in this infographic. We are therefore extremely grateful for all the support we are receiving.
By Adriana Castro, Juan Ciudad Communications.
Sources: Juan Ciudad NGO Projects Department and the Province of San AgustĂn de Ăfrica of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God.
