The Corona Virus (also known as COVID-19) is disrupting the lives and livelihood of lives globally. 

The impact of the coronavirus/COVID-19 is projected in the months ahead to be far worse in Africa.  This is because many communities have limited or no access to Intensive care units, PPE, ventilators, and pipe-borne water, etc. The public health capacity there is far less. An estimated 47% of the population of Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, does not have access to running water and 35% live in severely overcrowded informal settlements. Our beneficiaries are therefore extremely vulnerable. 

In response, Develop Africa is undertaking a multi-faceted response. This response targets key areas of need, based on our research and lessons learned from our previous Ebola Epidemic response.

• Community Information and Engagement:
  This education and sensitization initiative informs the public about the importance of handwashing and safe distancing.  The population needs information and practical measures to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus

This initiative also includes the provision of bars of soap. This is to ensure that everyone has what they need to wash their hands and protect themselves. From our experience, the practical provision of relief items (necessary supplies) results in a better application (as opposed to simply providing instructions).

• Hunger Alleviation:
  We are providing basic relief food supplies / non-perishable food items to alleviate hunger, hardship and the loss of jobs/income. This meets immediate practical/physical needs. This prepares them for a possible lockdown and alleviates hunger / the negative economic ripple effects of COVID-19.
   
• Teenage Girls Pregnancy Prevention:
  During the 2014-2015 Ebola Epidemic, when schools were closed, there was an uptick in the number of pregnant teenage girls.  Teenage girls were home for months and this resulted in unfortunate and undesirable outcomes for many.  This campaign will specifically target teenage girls with positive messages and education that will prevent pregnancy. 
   
• Provision of PPE:
  Health workers also need personal protective equipment (PPE) - mouth and nose masks, goggles, hand sanitizers, soap, etc.

• Provision of Cloth Masks
  The economic crunch of this pandemic has wrecked family budgets - with many struggling to meet daily needs. Families living at or below the poverty line are not able to purchase masks. These free masks will provide the much-needed protection that they need to keep them safe and stop the spread of COVID-19 / the Coronavirus. In instances where social distancing is impractical, any barrier will help to make a difference.
   
• Provision of Radios:
  With all schools closed, in Sierra Leone, the government is providing educational lessons broken up into grades/levels through radio broadcasts.  We are supporting the education of kids and youths by providing radios.  See the sample schedule (PDF).

This is the time for us to stand up. It's time for us to step up and help the most vulnerable.

Even in our own struggles, we can act now and help the most vulnerable. 

Think about these people.  Please think about what you can do to help save their lives.  Then act NOW 

Thanks so much for your support.  We will get through this together.

Please help us stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 by giving your most important gift now!