The effects of COVID-19 have been devastating for people around the world, more so, the less privileged in the community. Sources of income have been lost leaving many unable to feed themselves or their families. This is why Jesuits in Zambia-Malawi Province (ZAM) have launched the Jesuits Relief COVID-19 response aimed at helping the underprivileged combat COVID-19 as well as health workers in the front line be better equipped in fighting the disease.

During the launch we were honoured to be joined by the Minister of Health in Zambia Dr. Chitalu Chilufya who hailed Jesuits for the initiative. In a speech made by the minister, he said "the strategic objectives of this appeal are in line with the measures the government continues to put in place to address the adverse effects of the pandemic. As the Ministry responsible for health, we are pleased to learn that the first objective of the appeal is to support public health responses to contain the spread of COVID-19 by distributing necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), sensitisation of communities and accompaniment of health and other frontline workers".

The event was also graced by the Jesuit Provincial Fr. Leonard Chiti SJ who urged that steps be taken to heal the inequality and poverty around so that every Zambian can build resilience against any threat like COVID-19.

The appeal targets at-risk communities across thematic areas of response including Public Health, Education (Southern Province), Risk Communication and Community Engagement, WASH, Social Protection, Nutrition and Food Relief and Immediate Economic Support and Advocacy.