Every day, every hour the face of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is changing. The Children Believe team is also constantly monitoring the situation, assessing how it’s impacting the communities we — together with our supporters and partners — support around the world.
Although the virus has reached countries where we work, we’re thankful there have been no reports of children, or their families in sponsorship communities, diagnosed with COVID-19, as of today, March 24.
Of course, we’re keeping a close eye on the situation (check back for updates), as we know this virus could have a huge impact on already strained healthcare systems in developing countries. With that in mind, the international community has asked for US$675 million to help protect these systems as part of a Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan.
The Government of Canada has already offered support, providing $2 million to the World Health Organization to help contain the outbreak. Prime Minister Trudeau has also pledged to provide $50 million in international assistance.
In the meantime, consider the situation and actions already in place.
More about how COVID-19 is impacting Children Believe sponsorship countries…
Burkina Faso
Schools, churches and places of worship are closed; gatherings of more than 50 people have been prohibited; the government has provided toll-free numbers for people in need to call.
Total confirmed cases: 146
Ethiopia
Schools have been closed; public gatherings have been banned; the government is distributing donated masks, face shields and other protective gear.
Total confirmed cases: 16
Ghana
Schools are closed, and the government has banned social gatherings of 25 or more people.
Total confirmed cases: 152
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a complete lockdown for 21 days.
Total confirmed cases: 942
Nicaragua
Many schools have closed; some private schools are offering virtual classes, the Ministry of Health has launched a telephone line to provide information to the public.
Total confirmed cases: 4
Paraguay
Schools and churches are closed; there’s a national quarantine, except for essential service workers.
Total confirmed cases: 64
*Confirmed cases, noted above are based national stats or the World Health Organization; each link notes the source.
How is Children Believe responding?
Our Canadian office team has been working from home since last week, along with staff from our country offices.
Meanwhile, we continue to assess the best way to respond in the communities where we work. The good news is it’s always been part of our strategy to reach out to children and their families and create awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene in stopping the spread of disease. Where possible, we continue to work with local healthcare workers to distribute hygiene kits, equipped with soap and educational materials, as many developing countries don’t have a ready supply of personal protective equipment.
How can I learn more?
Check our website for updates on how COVID-19 is impacting the children and families we help.
Of course, if you have any questions, our donor-relations’ team is always waiting to answer them at 1.800.263.5437 or askus@childrenbelieve.ca.
How can I help?
Visit our donation page at childrenbelieve.ca, or call 1.800.263.5437, to learn more about how you can offer support during this global pandemic.