How UK-based Catholic Aid Agency is Supporting Fight against COVID-19 in Africa

Community groups facilitate the translation of the radio messages “into local languages so that they can be heard and understood by as many people as possible.”

“We are also working with women’s groups to protect women of all ages from the risk of domestic violence during lockdown,” CAFOD leadership says in the report.

South Sudan has recorded at least 10,637 COVID-19 cases, 10,312 recoveries and 115 related deaths.

In the Central African nation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), CAFOD officials are working with faith leaders to “raise awareness about coronavirus through TV, radio and megaphones – helping more families survive the pandemic through targeted distribution of hygiene kits.”

The Catholic entity also facilitates the provision of “emergency food, clean, safe water and housing to families who have fled fighting and are vulnerable to coronavirus in Eastern DR Congo.”

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CAFOD leadership further provides “emergency cash assistance for vulnerable families as well as handwashing stations in key public spaces (markets and health centres) in Kinshasa.”

The leadership of the 58-year-old London-based Catholic agency, which reaches out to people living in poverty with practical help regardless of their religion or culture, is also using the experience of local networks to deliver clear and accurate information via trusted faith and traditional leaders, and promote good hygiene practices, which are both key to keeping people safe.”

“CAFOD, along with other faith organizations, is urging the international community to lead a new vision after this crisis, where the planet is respected, inequalities are reduced, and where basic services and rights are guaranteed for every human being,” the officials say in the May 6 report.

Founded in 1962 by Jacquie Stuyt and Elspeth Orchard, CAFOD works with some of the “most hard-to-reach” communities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, helping the poorest and most marginalized people.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.