Mali Clinic Supplies to Protect Against COVID-19

According to press release 156, published on August 5th by the Malian Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, there had been a total of 2,546 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country. As of August 7th, there have been an additional 15 confirmed cases, bringing the total to 2,561. Less than 500 of these confirmed cases are currently active. 

These updates are promising, as we see that many countries around the world are dealing with much higher rates of infection. However, access to testing has been an issue. As previously stated in a report, only certain community health centers are able to actually provide testing. Nonetheless, we must continue to take COVID-19 seriously, educate the public, and provide supplies to the clinic to protect against COVID-19. 

A recent article published by UNICEF tells the story of Samba (a pseudonym given to maintain anonymity), a 13 year old child experiencing homelessness in Bamako. It is estimated that there are at least several thousand children experiencing homelessness in Bamako and therefore living on the streets. UNICEF and Samusocial Mali, in collaboration with the Central Emergency Response Fund, have been able to provide handwashing stations that are easily accessible around the city. However, this is just one example of groups at risk for COVID-19, and one of many reasons to continue taking the pandemic seriously.

It is also important to note that commercial air travel has resumed as of July 25th, and land borders reopened last Friday (July 31st). Social distancing measures, mask-wearing, and testing are all part of the procedures. However, it is too early to know how this may impact the number of COVID-19 cases in the country. 

Your donation will help us to provide gloves, masks, disinfectant, testing, and more for people in Mali. Working together, we can continue to combat this virus. Thank you for your support.