COVID-19 is weighing heavily on all of our minds here in the US, in Ethiopia, and across the globe. As part of recommended precautions, the WEEMA team is now working remotely- this includes the Cambridge, MA office, the Addis Ababa office and the Mudula office. We are staying connected through regular communication and educating each other on the best ways to protect ourselves, our families and our communities.

As of this morning, there are 6 confirmed cases in Ethiopia. Prime Minister Abiy did announce on Monday, March 16th that schools are to be closed and all large events banned. The Federal Ministry of Health and the Ethiopia Public Health Institute are working collaboratively to prepare the health sector for increase levels of sick patients and to communicate to the public about this risks, symptoms, and preventative measures against the coronavirus.

The WEEMA Ethiopia team has been in direct contact with health officials at Kembata-Tembaro Zone and Hosanna Hospital. We have also reached out to the Federal Ministry of Health. We anticipate participating in the educational outreach campaign and will be coordinating with the government on this effort.

We will update you as this progresses. Let us continue to support one another.

- The WEEMA Team