Sierra Leone Episcopal Area

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.

Dr. Daniel Ahui (left), a specialist in infectious and tropical diseases and director of Dabou United Methodist Hospital in Dabou, Côte d'Ivoire, trains pharmacy and laboratory staff on how to deal with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases. Although there are no cases of the coronavirus in this city yet, the hospital is taking steps to avoid being caught off guard. Photo by Isaac Broune, UM News.

Church hospitals race to prepare for the coronavirus

United Methodist hospitals in Africa and the Philippines gear up to treat patients with COVID-19, including setting up isolation areas and gathering protective gear.

Local Church

Participants observe the new rules of social distancing at the launch of The United Methodist Church’s Anti COVID-19 Campaign and Taskforce in Sinkor, Liberia, outside Monrovia. Photo by E Julu Swen, UM News.

United Methodists fight COVID-19 around the globe

Communicators for The United Methodist Church in Africa and the Philippines share what the church is doing in their regions to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Mission and Ministry

A visitor to United Methodist Mercy Hospital in Bo, Sierra Leone, washes his hands at a wash station before entering the hospital on March 16. Amid coronavirus concerns, the use of handwashing stations, previously used during the country’s fight against Ebola, has been stepped up in public places, including hospitals, banks and schools. Photo by Phileas Jusu, UM News.

Ebola offers lessons in fighting coronavirus in Sierra Leone

United Methodist hospitals among those gearing up as coronavirus concerns grow in the West African country.

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