08.05.2020. In order to ease the burden on the state health system, our Congo-based company IFO has mobilised staff working at the IFO medical centre (CMS). In the village of Ngombé, where 10,000 inhabitants live, all healthcare staff is thus in the front line, in the fight against COVID-19. The state's integrated health centre (CSI) has been converted into an ad hoc care unit, to keep those likely to have contracted the virus separate from all other patients, who will continue to be admitted to IFO's medical centre.

The CSI now has an increased capacity of 50 beds, 40 of which donated by IFO, along with access to water and electricity, an essential pre-requisite for health care.

In order to maintain its response capacity, IFO has ordered medical equipment and pharmaceutical products necessary for the fight.

So far, your help has made it possible to buy:

- 30,000 sanitary masks plus 18,500 which have been crafted by a cooperative of local tailors

- 5 oxygen concentrators (2 already delivered)

- 2 oxygen ventilators (on their way)

- vital functions monitors, to closely check patients’ status (on their way)

- masks, gloves, goggles and other protective equipment for medical personnel (partly arrived)

According to the World Food Programme and World Health Organization, the world is facing a major crisis, the worst since World War II. To which should be added the difficulties of importing goods, in a context of strong demand and air traffic disruption, combined with an export ban on key protection items, which even countries with the most sophisticated infrastructures considered essential.

The spread of the virus has already put many countries to the test, with a looming ‘run for your life’ reaction.

Thanks to your help, an otherwise unknown population will have a chance.

Join us in the fight against COVID-19 – please donate now:

To be continued...