Mozambique: Covid-19 doesn’t stop our efforts

Testimonies from Mozambique

Coronavirus infections are increasing on the African continent. According to the latest data provided by the African Union’s (AU) Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Cdc), the dramatic tally counts 44,483 confirmed cases, 1,801 deaths from Covid-19-related complications, while 14,921 people are reported to have beaten the infection. Although the nu

mers are provided by official sources, the impression is that the reality is more dramatic, and this is because of the obvious difficulties of doing appropriate screening in different countries. There are many plagues afflicting Africa that make it difficult to effectively contain the spread of the virus, the first of which is the fact that many states are unable to provide adequate medical and sanitary responses, and then there is the lack of access to water and therefore the difficulty of guaranteeing sanitary services. Another issue is getting people to understand the importance of quarantine; this makes it difficult to isolate people who are affected, or at risk, with very serious consequences in counties where there is a very high urban density. Elements such as these add to what were the pre-covid-19 difficulties that most African countries had to deal with on a daily basis. Political instability, social tensions, economic hardship, poverty, hunger and malnutrition have always been a drag on the development of this rich area of the world.

In the south of the Continent, specifically in Mozambique, ASeS has its own recognized office and has long been involved, with interventions to support malnourished and HIV-prone children, at the Hospitl Rural de Xinavane. Point of reference is our collaborator Daniele Gallo, who, in the utmost respect for the laws enacted as a result of the lock down imposed by the government, has continued to carry out our project in the manner and within the time frame allowed.

Very first meetings with the population to explain how to behave and what precautions to take following the health emergency

Field visits scrupulously complying with anti Covid-19 regulations.

All staff and co-workers were provided with handmade anti-contamination masks made from capulana , a local fabric, and lined inside with an anti Covid-19 material. The “colored” masks have been approved by the Ministry of Health and are being distributed to citizens, missions and rural areas by institutions and International Organizations on the ground.

The delivery to beneficiaries of seeds for growing peppers, cabbage and onion . Activities are carried out in line with government anti-infection laws.