Maputo, March 17, 2020
Dear friends!
We are experiencing a pandemic that jeopardizes human coexistence caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). I record with great concern the situation in the world, in particular in Italy, Spain, USA, France, Portugal, Israel, Brazil, Finland, Chile, Turkey, Russia and Peru, where women, men and children, above 100 cases were affected by the disease, some with fatalities.
I address my sympathetic embrace to our friendly members of FIFCJ with the hope that the situation will return to normal soon and I also express my feeling of regret for the mortal victims.
This moment is one of apprehension and struggle, as the pandemic is spreading across all countries, on all continents, it is a real tragedy. In this sense, I call on us to be, as always, the disseminators of useful information to minimize its effects, through the civic health education of those close to us and to continue our fight for human rights, especially for women, child and elderly.
We have greater fear in relation to African countries, due to the fragility of the health system and the high rate of illiteracy and poverty that imposes greater responsibility on the education of African women, the main provider of assistance to families in Africa.
We are aware of how the pandemic will affect jobs and family incomes and here it will be necessary to join forces so that women are not the most affected.
Let’s go ahead with the recommendations of WHO, governments and national health institutions, avoiding clusters and personal contact through hugs, kisses and handshakes, keep the interpersonal distance of at least 1 meter, wear masks whenever necessary , cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue that should be thrown in the trash immediately, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, use alcohol-based disinfectants if there is no soap and water, use disinfectants also to clean handrails and other objects touched frequently, follow the quarantine recommendations and avoid contact with other people if you are sick or with sick people.
Dear sisters and friends, keep us in touch!
Osvalda Joana – President
