Cooperating together in crisis
What we do against Corona worldwide
We are adapting our current project activities to respond to the worldwide corona pandemic.
Berlin / Rangun, 09 September 2021
The Global South is particularly affected by the Corona pandemic. This makes close cooperation and networking there even more important, which we have been supporting since 2018 with the transnational GROWTH project. In Myanmar, which has been affected twice by the military takeover and a Corona wave, our partners are now working closely together.
The transnational GROWTH project (GROWTH: Grassroots Organizational Development - Working Towards Humanity) supports what is particularly important in times of pandemic: supporting and learning from each other. Ten grassroots organisations from Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines have taken the opportunity to strengthen their capacities and develop according to their needs and own wishes.
Project enabled rapid shift to digital communication
Back in 2019, we supported our local partners in building user-friendly websites and using social media more actively. At the beginning of the Corona pandemic, they were easily able to quickly switch to digital communication channels. Face-to-face meetings were not possible for a long time due to strict lockdowns and restricted movement. In addition, the project provided organisations with the necessary equipment, access to high-speed internet and programmes.
An example of networked cooperation today is Myanmar. In addition to the effects of the Corona pandemic, the country is facing other challenges after the military coup. Adequate health care is hardly possible from the state side, and the food situation is also deteriorating.
Stabilise nutrition during the pandemic
Our partner Hualngo Land Development Organisation (HLDO) supports the people in the Hualngo area, one of the poorest regions of the country, where the health system collapsed repeatedly during the pandemic. With the help of an appeal for donations on Facebook, HLDO was able to draw attention to the situation to Burmese abroad and thus generate donations. With the money, the organisation helped stabilise nutrition in 10 communities in North Chin State, those that were facing food insecurity and lack of health services due to the border closure with India. The money has been used to buy oxygen, food, transportation, medicine and COVID-19 tests.
Our partner organisation Meikswe Myanmar provided food to 105 isolated households of people suffering from AIDS in northern Shan State. In addition, people were educated about the coronavirus and given masks, soap and other hygiene items.
Overcoming challenges together
Communication between the partners HLDO and Meikswe Myanmar was strengthened. Both regularly exchange experiences and help each other financially. Meikswe Myanmar supported HLDO in providing oxygen to people suffering from COVID. Both organisations are in close contact with other Johanniter partners to find solutions to the logistical and financial problems that currently prevail in Myanmar.
The pandemic highlights the importance of involving civil society organisations to support socially disadvantaged groups.
A good example of cooperation in times of crisis.
GROWTH: Grassroots Organizational Development – Working Towards Humanity
Learn more about our GROWTH project.