Crisis

Dozens gather for the burial of the Rev. Themba Siwela of Gutu Mupandawana Circuit Masvingo District. Many did not wear face masks or maintain social distancing. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Close ties challenge rural Africa COVID-19 fight

Close relationships in rural Africa make social and physical distancing to avoid COVID-19 culturally difficult.

Angela Macherechedze, sister in charge of the family and child health unit at United Methodist Old Mutare Mission Hospital, educates village health workers about the outbreaks of malaria and COVID-19 during training at Old Mutare Mission Hospital in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Coronavirus hampers malaria efforts in Africa

The United Methodist Church’s mission hospitals in Zimbabwe all report sharp increases in malaria cases over the past few months.

Mission and Ministry

An employee from the Home Care Ministry of The United Methodist Church in Macedonia checks on the welfare of a client at her home in Strumica. The client’s face was blurred to protect her privacy in this photo provided by the Home Care Ministry. Photo courtesy of The United Methodist Church in Macedonia.

COVID-19 challenges programs in North Macedonia

A United Methodist-run social center in North Macedonia that operates several food programs is struggling to find food, supplies and funds to pay for them.

Mission and Ministry

United Methodist Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky speaks from her home during a webinar on coronavirus-related updates for the denomination’s Greater Northwest Area, which includes the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. Photo by Linda Bloom, UM News.

On West Coast, a glimmer of hope

United Methodists impacted by early coronavirus outbreaks hope the curve is flattening.

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