While, at the time of writing, Zambia has 15,224 recorded cases and 335 deaths and Mozambique 9,494 recorded cases and 68 deaths it is good news that there are signs of declining cases in these countries. But, according to the regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Africa faces a “pivotal moment”.
Can a second wave be avoided?
So far, Covid 19 hasn’t spread across Africa as ubiquitously as it has in Europe. However, Zambia and Mozambique have responded carefully. Beginning in October, some lockdown measures have been cautiously eased. Schools in Zambia have reopened but only a narrow selection of face to face schooling in Mozambique have resumed.
With our mission to bring safe water to communities, disease prevention is core to our work even in pandemic free times. Early on we adjusted our program to combat Covid 19 directly by focusing more on hygiene promotion, water point repairs and provision of handwashing facilities with soap/bleach, rather than working in new communities.
Our support enabled our partners to raise awareness through radio promotions, vehicle mounted loudhailers, small group trainings and posters and leaflets in key areas such as marketplaces and health centres.
It is by no small feat that our partners have reached over 225,000 people with soap and bleach, and 350,000 people with our information and materials over the course of the pandemic.
Whilst there are signs of a declining pandemic we won’t be resting until the impact of Covid 19 is reduced significantly.
If you would like to continue helping our teams to support communities in rural Africa through this crisis a small donation will go a long way.
Source: Africa at ‘pivotal moment’ as coronavirus cases rise: WHO
