Nicaragua
As one of the last countries to confirm COVID-19 cases Nicaragua is being carefully monitored by the Pan American Health Organization to ensure accurate statistics are being shared. There have been no strict lockdown measures enforced and as a result information about the spread of the virus is not uniform. The need to keep abreast of the government’s reporting will be of ongoing importance in the maintenance of balance for community health.
Concerns and Challenges
Casa Congo is very concerned about the spread of COVID-19 given the state of the Nicaraguan health infrastructure. Those with limited resources and access to healthcare will continue to be at most risk.
Adaptation Measures
As the pandemic began to take hold in late February, Casa Congo’s international team members quarantined in their respective home locations of Dubai, France, the Netherlands, Vancouver and Rome. The team on the ground in Nicaragua made the decision to close school operations to safeguard the local community. Casa Congo itself has been closed to volunteers, tourists and children which continues to challenge a well prepared budget, but the community’s safety is the first priority.
Although the pandemic has significantly altered plans, Casa Congo continues to move forward with great fervor. They have adapted to include numerous initiatives and activities, amongst those, a partnership with Buy Food with Plastic (a local waste program), increased gardening activities, a meeting with the Nicaraguan Minister of the Environment and surf lessons for local children.
Emergency Fund
In the coming weeks, Casa Congo will begin to budget and implement a seed program utilizing our Emergency Fund contribution. With the completion of their application for a grant to deliver water filtration systems, they are now looking ahead to what else can be prepared in advanced for long term food security.