COVID-19 Update from Mozambique
COVID-19 Times: Hope, Strength, Courage, Fearing Not
By: Ezequiel M Nhantumbo
Coronavirus in Mozambique is continuously creating difficulty in areas of social, cultural and economic growth. The situation is becoming a huge burden, especially to rural, illiterate and poor communities, who have limitations in understanding of prevention measures. Rural communities are caught in a difficult position to make certain decisions. They regularly break health measures of confinement in order to seek food and water at a distance and in places with high community concentrations.
Meanwhile, as daily tests are being performed, the numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in Mozambique are climbing in all provinces. Daily television reports indicate that the pandemic is far from coming to an end in Mozambique. For the past three days in row, numbers increased to 77 positive cases each day. Presently and according to a recent press conference of the National Directorate of Public Health, there is a cumulative of 1,802,278 tracked people; 28,308 under quarantined containment; 3,641 being tracked as result of contact with positive cases; a total of 79,504 tested suspects; and 627 tested in last 24 hours, of which 550 were negative and 77 were positive. From this number, 69 are nationals, 62 people resulting from local transmission and 15 imported. Mozambique has since scored a cumulative 2,991 positive cases from which 1,247 have recovered, and 19 have died.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
There are reports of the disease being widespread in resettlement locations (where people moved after cyclones in central and northern Mozambique) that have high concentrations of people. In Cabo Delgado, in addition to climate refugees, there are thousands of families who remain displaced due to armed conflict with insurgents.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Mozambique President Jacinto Nyusi renewed the State of Emergency in the beginning of August, introducing new relaxed measures which included:
Phase 1: Low risk activities, such as reopening of classes at universities, defense force academies, primary school teacher colleges, adult education, health training schools (beginning August 18)
Phase 2: Medium risk activities, such as vocational schools, cinemas, theatre, casinos (beginning September 1)
Phase 3: High risk activities, beginning October 1.
The measures increased the number of participants at funerals to a maximum of 50 people, except if COVID-19 is the cause of death, in which the number is reduced to 10 people. The government also allowed religious services to resume with a max of 50 people. In all these phases, there is another set of rules and regulations which constitute pre-conditions so that such activities can be resumed. International flights have been reduced to very tight requirements and under the authorization of the government.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala and her cabinet are working very hard on getting the word where needed in order to educate members and surrounding communities in preventive measures. Bishop Nhanala mentioned that “resources are urgently needed, for the installation of a local broadcasting radio to be based in Chicuque Mission, which will help in the dissemination of the message so that people (particularly those illiterate) will get to know of the disease and its preventive measures.” It is only through this means, and of course the supply of masks and other materials, that the exercise can help government efforts to combat COVID-19.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
The Mozambique-Missouri Initiative of the United Methodist Church is present on the ground in efforts to alleviate suffering clergy and their communities are facing due to coronavirus. We are providing safe wells in various churches and local churches; food for clergy; and two- and four-person hand-washing stations, which are already being distributed in Methodist schools, hospitals, orphanages, seminars, colleges, elderly center of Massinga and to the main church conference central offices. The needs are increasingly high. We are working to supply churches in need with preventive, hygiene and sanitation materials: hand sanitizers, thermometers, masks, soap, gloves, buckets, mops and more required for reopening services. Some bigger churches are getting ready for reopening, however await government authorization. Other (the majority) will fail to meet government requisites due to lack of resources. Seminaries, Methodist schools and the Methodist University are struggling to resume classes. Meanwhile, services are still held in homes and through online devices for churches that are able. The Church is finding new ways to readapt and reinvent while under emergency state of affairs.
“‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’” Malachi 3:10
Chicuque Rural Hospital and Cambine Mission Health Post continue to respond to COVID-19. “The need for personal protective equipment is at the top of priorities, to ensure that health professionals can approach their patients without fear,” said Rev Arlindo Zunguze, the Director of Chicuque Rural Hospital.
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” Psalm 40:1-3
Your prayers and support are still needed for Mozambique in order to address basic health needs of our communities. God empowers us. He uses those with doubts and insecurities to do His work. God is and will always lead the way, and He will direct our path. God is with us every step of the way, always and forever. Thanks to Missouri for your continuous prayers and support in the midst of the pandemic also affecting the U.S.