In mid-March, Philippine President Duterte ordered a lockdown on Luzon, the country’s largest island, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This measure affects nearly half of the Philippine population. Even in Metro Manila, a city with a population of over 13 million, everyone must stay at home. The police and the army are ensuring compliance with the rules through patrols and checkpoints. This is a disaster for millions of poor families who find themselves without any income and are unable to protect themselves from the virus due to a lack of access to water and decent housing.
«Not military solutions, but medical ones,» our partners are calling for.
Our partners in the Philippines, Gabriela and the Council for Health and Development, are providing practical solidarity and support, notably by running a helpline where people can ask questions day and night, distributing food parcels, making face masks and providing information on preventive measures.
But our partners are also highly critical of the measures taken by the government to tackle the pandemic. «We need medical solutions, not military ones,» they demand. «What we need is free testing in every neighbourhood instead of a police and military presence, the free distribution of medical kits, practical solutions and support for affected workers, price controls on basic goods, access to clean running water, and support for local scientists and healthcare workers who are on the front line.».
To combat an epidemic effectively, we need a robust public health system that is developed at all levels and close to the people. This is the work our partners carry out day in, day out, from poor urban neighbourhoods to remote rural communities. Together with other social movements, they have long been campaigning for a strong public health system, with accessible, high-quality care for all.
What can you do?
Follow our healthcare workers on WhatsApp
1. Add Viva Salud to your contacts on your mobile phone with the number 0470 82 72 22.
2. Send us a message with your name and “I'd like to register”.”
3. We will keep you informed.
Support our partners' fight with a donation
You can also make a donation by bank transfer to the account number
Viva Health: BE15 0010 4517 8030 | BIC: GEBABEBB, with the message ‘donate to fight corona’.
Support our partners' fight with a monthly donation
Take part in the campaign
Find out more about our «Support the fight against corona worldwide» campaign:
- how our partners are fighting the coronavirus
- what you can do
- why we need a strong public health system
