COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR ZAMBIAN COMMUNITIES

Since the emergence of COVID-19 The Butterfly Tree has provided PPE for rural schools and clinics throughout the Kazungula District in Zambia. Though numbers have declined it is important to keep up with this vital support in readiness for any further variants. Numbers are increasing in South Africa and along with Zambia these countries are heading into their winter months.

Schools and clinics were provided with hand sanitzer, disinfectant, washing facilities and masks. One medical officer from Mukuni Rural Health Centre stated 'that it were not for The Butterfly Tree's support many of our staff's lives could have been lost',

These rural health facilties cater for large populations, Mukuni alone cover a population in access of 8,000. We have just completed a rural health post in Katondo, a remote area in Nyawa Chiefdom. The project includes a clinic, two staff houses, toilets, a biodigester for waste, and equipment. The Ministry of Health will provide trained medical staff and pay for their salries.

This week we donated a considerable amount of equipment to Simonga Rural Health Post where we opened a maternity ward and mother's shelter. The PPE donations were greatly received and helped considerably during the worse part of the pandemic.

A total of 10 clinics, including Bunsanga, Sikaunzwe, Muchambila and Mahalulu, all built by The Butterfly Tree received support. In addition 30 schools were given PPE supplies, this was invaluable in schools close to the towns of Kazungula and Livingstone, and especially for pupils in boarding facilties at Mukuni, River View, Nyawa and Musokotwane.

Currently there is a campaign inviting people in Zambia to get their booster vaccinations. Due to logistics this is not an easy task. On Saturday The Butterfly Tree provided transport for the medical staff to vaccinate people in Machenje Village. 

We are grateful for all the support we received and must continue to help the schools and clinics until the pandemic is under control.