Covid-19 Intervention in South Africa

In the months leading up to Gift of the Givers 28th year anniversary you have witnessed our diverse and intense intervention in the Covid-19 pandemic. We have delivered protective materials including masks, gloves, coveralls, Hazmat suits, head and shoe covers, sanitisers, reusable surgical gowns, scrubs, non-contact thermometers, pulse oximeters, intuboxes, thirty seven triage tents, blankets, mattresses, pillows, hygiene, maternity and baby packs. We have provided medical equipment including video laryngoscopes and have commenced the roll out of seventy life saving High Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO) machines. Our activities have benefited 180 hospitals and health centres throughout South Africa. Gift of the Givers R7 million refurbishment of an entire wing dedicated to Covid-19 at Mitchell's Plain Hospital is almost ready for the opening ceremony and patient intake.

We have carried out 20000 pcr Covid-19 tests nationwide having set up dedicated teams for this purpose. Drought is a major challenge. Fortunately, we have drilled 400 functional boreholes in the last two years that have benefited thousands. Currently in the Eastern Cape our water tankers provide 550000 litres per week, Monday to Sunday, to desperate residents. The desperation has been more intense in recent days as water sources dry out. Hunger is a bigger crisis than Covid-19. Our call centres, emails and staff are flooded with requests for food. We have delivered aid to areas where children are eating plants to survive or eat anything that comes off a dump site. Gift of the Givers have delivered 130000 food parcels in South Africa, and 40000 in Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe, collectively. In addition, we are supporting a number of feeding centres and delivering fortified nutrient products to starving children.

Links:

• Gift of the Givers Official Website