As COVID-19 spreads, it poses a grave danger, especially in communities with struggling health systems. Vulnerable people are hit the hardest by the outbreak: it could drive families deeper into hunger and poverty.
In the absence of a cure or vaccine, the current outbreak encourages us to fi nd ways of reducing the potential risk of infection.
As per the advice of the WHO (World Health Organisation) and the health experts of the country, it is of vital importance to regularly wash your hands to prevent spreading the COVID-19 virus. In the community of Hawa-Dembaya, water and hand washing facility are scarce. Handwashing is not only necessary to avoid spreading the COVID-19 virus, it is also one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of other diseases as well. Diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid can be contained by frequently washing your hands.
Mali so far has been less severely hit by COVID-19, compared to other countries, but densely populated slums, limited healthcare facilities, high rates of HIV and tuberculosis, water shortages caused by drought and poor infrastructure, have left us concerned about the expected spread.
As the pandemic escalated rapidly, Albatros Energy Mali S.A saw the need to step in to aid the community. Our team launched an awareness campaign on the local radio station and in the medical center of Médine, which targets audiences within and outside of Hawa-Dembaya, to promote and improve health and hygiene practices, such as handwashing and social distancing. Albatros Energy donated 32 hand washing kits and soap to the villages of Hawa-Dembaya
We are all impressed by the haste in which Albatros Energy Mali S.A took action for the fi ght against COVID-19. All the Chiefs of Hawa-Dembaya villages including myself are thankful to receive the kits. They will be placed in the most frequently used places by the community.