Rapid Response to reduce risc of Corona Outbreak in Haydom

We have been experiencing what it means when an entire world is in a state of emergency for several weeks. The invisible enemy named Corona threatens us all equally, making no ethnic, cultural or existential differences. We experience what it feels like to wake up in the morning accompanied by fear and uncertainty about our own health, that of our loved ones, and fear. Suddenly the foundation of our existence, which we take for granted, is crumbling. We feel locked up in the home office, unsure when we can leave our temporary social prison.

But let's raise our eyes from our laptops and conference calls and focus them on the rest of the world out there, on the countries in which deprivation of liberty and existential fear become a companion every day. What damage is caused by such a virus in a society in which people have to travel hundreds of kilometers to the nearest hospital, in overcrowded buses and shared taxis. A large part of the population cannot afford to visit a doctor or even inpatient treatment in a clinic without insurance cover. Physical and social distancing in countries such as Tanzania unthinkable. In a society in which each individual relies on the support of a village community, or the daily business on the market place. Many families have no access to clean water or money for soap and daily hand hygiene. Not being able to travel to the market on the bus would destroy even the smallest income and drive families into starvation. A statistical assessment of the infection rate of the population cannot be made because tests are not widely available and are also expensive.

It is all the more important to have good information about hygiene and restrictions on contacts.

Our children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus rely on regular aftercare in the clinic for the supply of medication and catheters. However, this means that they have to use the overcrowded means of transport with their parents and are therefore at great risk.



Haydom-Friends e.V. and partners call for a comprehensive information campaign on measures to reduce the transmission rate of Corona. We expressly ask for your support and help !! We have started to ask local tailors in the village to make  hand-made facemasks and we distribute them together with soap to children with Spina Bifida and their parents. For 10 euros you can support this initiative and cover travel expenses as well as costs for facemasks and soap for one family.

Of course, these measures only work in conjunction with information about restrictions on personal contacts and the distance to other people in public places.



The first Corona preventive care packages have already been distributed to families in Haydom.

With only 10 euros you help us to reduce the spread and transmission of corona and help protect our children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and their families. 

Of course despite the Corona crisis, our planning to start building the House of Hope and centre for further care for our Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus kids is in progress. The Board of the hospital has decided to allow us building it within the hospital compound , so kids and their families will be located close to the medical services and wards. Especially now the House of Hope could help continuing medical aftercare without having the families and children travel far in buses, leaving their communities risking to catch the infection and virus. With your help we hope we have permanent place of shelter for them to continue care without delay and restrictions.

Show solidarity in these special and difficult times. Cohesion and mutual support is important. We can and will only do this together. Help us in the fight together. One team - One world - One Fight. One victory over Corona!

 

Thanks a lot,

Your Theresa Harbauer.