Poverty is showing it's power during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa

I've had a few updates from my friends around Africa. In Sub-Saharan Africa in particular where many people live on less than 1$ a day and 80% are self-employed, when Government's close everything that generates their income it has an immediate impact on their survival. Just 2 days of isolation will impact the whole family. Many live a hand to mouth existence, surviving by working and buying food for that day. When the curfew is implemented in the Kenyan slums for instance it is not possible to support the family, but people are being beaten or even shot trying to do that. Maybe this is the reason some African Governments have not taken early action to prevent the spread of Covid19, but we know from other parts of the World delay is deadly - Italy and the USA are two terrible examples.

Dr Habsita is working 1,000 miles away from her family in the public health sector in Chad. She is worried, lonely, and mentally and physically exhausted. One day this week she performed three cesarean sections, delivering triplets in one case. Hearing voices and messages of support means so much, a huge boost to her mental health, giving her the will to continue.

We have an obligation to society to help the poor in this difficult time. Governments must offer free food support at the very minimum. We also have an obligation to the workers at the deep end, those who are risking their lives to keep society alive. Ring them, message them, leave videos, ask how they are, lets show our appreciation for angels like Dr Habsita. I know she for one will appreciate your efforts.