HARARE, APRIL 17, 2020 (CISA)-The Apostolic Nunciature in Zimbabwe, headed by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Paulo Rudelli, has donated medical supplies and cash worth US$30 000.00 as a response to the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishop’s Conference’s (ZCBC) appeal for assistance.
“As an expression of Pope Francis’ proximity in the context of the Covid-19 emergency, the Apostolic Nunciature has purchased medical supplies equivalent to the amount of USD 20,000.00,” read the statement.
In its statement, the Nunciature said ‘materials will be delivered, in the coming days, to the Episcopal Health Commission, together with US$10 000.00 in cash, as a contribution to the appeal for assistance launched by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference towards support for its mission health initiatives.’
ZCBC National Health Coordinator Sr Salome Mateko confirmed the donation saying the commission “greatly appreciates the contribution which will go a long way in ensuring the safety of health workers.”
ZCBC, through its Episcopal Health Commission made an emergency appeal for assistance to respond to and fight the novel Coronavirus.
On Monday 6 April 2020, Pope Francis launched an emergency fund at the Pontifical Mission Societies in Rome, which is aimed at assisting Church structures that are struggling and will respond to the Coronavirus in developing countries.
The Holy Father made his initial contribution of US$750 000 and appealed to all ‘who are desirous to help’ to contribute to this fund.
The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishop’s Conference currently runs 55 health centers across the country in its eight dioceses.
Speaking on the commission’s response to Covid-19, Sr Salome Mateko said the Church has selected one health center per diocese that will be equipped to handle coronavirus cases.
Most of the Church’s facilities are situated in rural areas.
The Church’s health commission said it is working hard to bridge the information gap by implementing health education strategies.
“We are trying to avoid putting people at risk, and we are reaching them through health education because there is very little knowledge about this pandemic…We have selected one health center in each diocese that will be used as a testing center. Our hope is that they will be well equipped with all facilities we need to handle the cases” she said.
The centers were selected based on their bed capacity and also with the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
