THE SITUATION
The DRC announced a state of emergency on 25 March, involving numerous confinement measures. These measures have led to a scarcity of essential manufactured goods (which are usually imported), but also to soaring prices for local products, particularly agricultural produce, which has doubled in price. The suspension of a large proportion of economic activities has led to the loss of many jobs (both formal and informal). Many families are suffering from hunger, and there is a risk that the number of children left on the streets will soar. In terms of health, it is difficult to treat the sick, and nursing staff have very few means of protection. Fortunately, so far the epidemic does not seem to be claiming many victims. As a result, containment measures have been relaxed over the summer.
OUR ACTIONS
We started by dealing with the most urgent issues: equipping hospitals and raising public awareness. At the beginning of April, we organised a fund-raising event that attracted a great deal of generosity. As a result, we were able to finance the purchase of masks, gloves, disinfectants and respirators for our partner hospitals. Major awareness-raising campaigns on the dangers of Covid-19 and protective measures were also organised by our teams and partners.