Much like the rest of the world, WEEMA’s focus has also shifted to COVID response at this critical time. As of this morning, April 1, 2020, Ethiopia has reported 29 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 27 active and 2 recovered cases. Initially, the reported cases were mostly in the capital but as new cases are found in Adama of Oromia region right outside Addis, Bahir Dar of Amhara region in Northern Ethiopia and Dire Dawa in Eastern Ethiopia, quarantine sites are being set up in these regions as well. Of course, it is likely that the number of cases are much higher than what has been confirmed so far due to limited testing capability and the nature of the highly contagious virus.
The Ethiopian government is actively taking measures like extending the first 15 day school closure to continue, instructing all non-essential government employees to work remotely, and requesting non-essential businesses and offices to close. Since the majority of the 29 cases are people who flew in from other countries, the government has also placed a mandatory 14-day quarantine in designated hotels and shelters for all passengers once they land in Ethiopia. Regional governments are also taking charge by declaring a state of emergency or requesting that people practice social distancing. WEEMA has received requests from the regional government and the Kembata Tembaro zone to help in response efforts.
Accordingly, we have organized an emergency task force to structure WEEMA’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and support the existing efforts of the government. We have allocated an initial fund of $20,000 USD to start off. These funds will support some of the most critical gaps identified with the government, such as medical supplies and awareness raising about the nature of the virus. Doctors in the rural hospitals that WEEMA partners with are also busy preparing. They are setting up treatment areas in local schools in order to isolate patients and their contacts that present with symptoms. This is only the first step in the immense joint effort it will take for us to get through this difficult time together. Our Ethiopian staff is working hard to coordinate our efforts while practicing social distancing and working from home. We will send more updates as we go along.
Stay Safe everyone!
