The current pandemic has affected many of us, but the situation is particularly bleak in countries like Rwanda where poverty and existing health conditions are a part of daily life.
In Rwanda, United Purpose supports local partners to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable children, youth, adults and families around the world, with a focus on combating the physical, social and economic impacts of HIV.
Safari’s wife outside their home.
The WE-ACTx for Hope clinic provides free medical care services, hospital referrals, and HIV counselling, testing, and antiretroviral treatment (ART) for tens of thousands of Rwandans and their families.
These already vulnerable patients have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown. The heavy rains in May caused devastation as houses, farms, bridges and farms were swept away or destroyed by floods and landslides. During the lockdown, many patients couldn’t work or afford meals, which affected their treatment as medication needs to be taken with food to be most effective.
Safari with his nutrition and hygiene support.
The clinic has stayed open during the pandemic because it provides essential services, so was ideally situated to partner with United Purpose and Penny Appeal to provide immediate flood relief to clients and their families who needed their help the most.
Safari and his wife are patients at WE-ACTx For Hope. They are parents to two daughters and their household income has reduced significantly as a result of the pandemic. During the previous rainy season, the floods caused great damage to their house leaving them homeless. Thankfully, Safari and his family have received nutrition and hygiene support from the Penny Appeal.
“During lockdown, I have had [a] difficult life where we had nothing to eat, to the extent that we spent even four days without eating, and I missed some doses due to hunger. I received food from the clinic, and it has supported us… I am taking medication and we practice good hygiene at home despite the disaster, supported by hygiene materials we have received.”