Mali Clinic Supplies to Protect Against COVID-19

Since the beginning of July, 131 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Mali. This brings the nation to a total of 2,358 confirmed cases. There have been 120 coronavirus deaths reported since the pandemic first reached Mali in March. Currently, Mali has limited testing resources available and only about 350 tests are performed each day despite Mali’s population size of 19.08 million people.

In addition to the lack of testing resources, Mali does not have the necessary equipment to support patients who test positive for COVID-19 and suffer the worst of its symptoms. In fact, a New York Times article estimated that the entire country of Mali only owns 3 ventilators – not nearly enough given Mali’s population size. There are also shortages of nursing staff available to care for patients who test positive for COVID-19. Therefore, the burden of taking care of those who are ill, often falls on family members without knowledge and training. 

Just as we have seen here in the United States, people in Mali have been wearing their masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Schools across the nation are closed so school-aged children are constantly at home. Despite the more limited numbers of positive cases, life has still looked dramatically different for those living in Mali. For example, the inability to congregate as a community affects everyone and has limited schoooling, religous gathering, weddings, and funerals.

Moreover, there is a shortage of necessary PPE (or personal protective equipment) to help protect people from the coronavirus. PPE includes masks, gowns, gloves, and disinfectant, and is required for the safety and well-being of both patients and staff. Since the first reported case in Mali, GAIA Vaccine Foundation has been working to provide PPE and thermometers. As we all wait for the introduction of a vaccine that could help limit the spread of coronavirus in the United States but also the world at large, life has departed from a sense of normality.

GAIA VF recognizes the importance of supporting efforts in Mali to reduce the spread of COVID-19. With your contributions, GAIA VF can expand its efforts and provide greater numbers of PPE and thermometers that can have a large impact on mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in Mali. Some examples of the power of your donations include: a donation of $10 USD equates to a box of gloves, and a donation of $25 USD equates to a box of masks. Thank you for your support to GAIA VF and the Sikoro community!