Corona cases have been identified in all countries where we work. The corona virus and the lockdown measures are extremely drastic for people, but especially for the most vulnerable people in developing countries. From mass migration in India and troubadours in Chad to a major humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso. What are the current developments in the countries where we work and what are the consequences for our project activities? In this article we will keep you informed.
INDIA
From the Indian slum areas on the way to home
Three weeks ago, large groups of migrant workers arrived at the border at Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh in India. They no longer have any income in the city and leave the slum areas of cities like Bangalore and Bagepalli. Employees of our local partner ADATS, from the biogas project in Karnataka, had no doubts and went out every night to help the migrants. The experiences are summarized by the director of ADATS in this report, along with his reflections on the protocol and consequences of the coronavirus in India.
INDIA
Indian villagers unwilling to migrate again after major lockdown
Mohan Kumar (34) from the Palamu district came to Bangalore so that his father could repay the loan he took last year to buy some oxen. Mohan worked as a carpenter in a furniture factory that fired his workers without paying their wages for February. Many villagers have suffered during the great Indian lockdown and do not want to migrate to a large city for work again. This would have consequences for both the rural and the urban economy. Read more on the newspage of Village Square>
ETHIOPIA
Project activities delayed in Ethiopia
In early April, the Council of Ministers declared a five-month state of emergency in response to the growing number of corona virus cases in Ethiopia. Travel bans and lockdown measures have delayed our project activities, such as the distribution of cookstoves and the training of people. However, these activities can be resumed after the measures have been relaxed. The economic consequences for people are much greater. Read here the latest developments regarding the corona virus in Ethiopia>
BURKINA FASO
The corona virus intensifies the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has the most fatalities in Africa due to the corona virus. And due to the increasing violence in the country, most hospitals are closed and there is little to no access to health facilities. In addition, many people live below the poverty line and lack food and clean water. A lack of water makes washing hands and general hygiene difficult. About 350,000 people urgently need access to adequate water and shelter. Read the latest developments here>
CHAD
UN works to prevent COVID-19 among displaced populations
The United Nations (UN) is working to prevent coronavirus among displaced and crisis-affected populations. Chad is home to the largest refugee population in the Sahel: nearly half a million have fled the violence in neighboring Sudan, Nigeria and the Central African Republic. The UN supports the awareness efforts of the Government of Chad and the National Response Plan to address the socio-economic impact of COVID-19. Read more here>
PERU
After Brazil and Mexico, Peru is hardest hit by COVID-19 in Latin America
Despite the stringent measures taken by Peru to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Peru is now one of the hardest hit countries in the world. According to public health experts, it is almost impossible for many poor Peruvians to comply with quarantine measures. Also, some government measures have failed, which inadvertently led to larger gatherings of people. Read more here>