A recent article on AJImpact notes the devastating challenges that could face the Central African Republic (CAR) with the advancement of COVID-19. The Central African Republic is a country with many connections to the Charis Fellowship. A portion of the story appears below. Click here to read the complete article.
In Central African Republic, a colossal struggle against COVID-19
Experts warn coronavirus could tear through CAR at ‘lightning spread’ if the vulnerable country does not get support.
Before dawn in a suburb recovering from war, Fanny Balekossi awakes and heads into the centre of Bangui. A radio broadcaster specialising in health issues, Balekossi survived years of sectarian fighting in the Central African Republic (CAR) during which her older sister and close friends perished.
Now, she is facing a new struggle to pull her country back from the brink once more.
In a studio at Radio Ndeke Luka, CAR’s most popular station, Balekossi puts on her headphones, turns on the mic and begins speaking to her listeners in a country that the United Nations calls one of the least prepared to cope with a coronavirus outbreak.
“Welcome to your Health Magazine show,” she says in her gentle, reassuring tone. “Today we’re talking about the importance of handwashing during this health crisis that is rocking the world. ”
From hygiene tips to interviews with top medics, Balekossi’s broadcasts from the capital go out on 100.9FM to citizens across CAR, whether they live in areas held by the government or by rebels. Her public service programme is part of wider efforts to prevent the coronavirus pandemic engulfing a country where only three ventilators are available for a population of almost five million.
The challenge is colossal. Armed groups control large swathes of territory while doctors already struggle to treat existing cases of malaria, measles and tuberculosis, let alone a new virus with no known vaccine or treatment. As healthcare systems in wealthy nations buckle under the strain of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, medical professionals fear an even greater impact in vulnerable countries such as CAR.
Click here to read the complete article.