To Our CMMB Global Family:

As a leading global healthcare organization, our mission and primary responsibility is to ensure that our actions lead to solutions and improvements in healthcare that help protect the women, children and communities we serve.

As COVID-19 continues to spread worldwide, it is especially important for us to be extremely careful and mindful of the already fragile nature of healthcare systems in the countries where we work. We are taking extra precautions as an organization, to protect these communities as they are particularly vulnerable to a new strain of virus like COVID-19. The presence of comorbidities like diabetes, cardiovascular and auto-immune diseases, and other health concerns make impoverished communities more vulnerable.

At CMMB, we support programs that help improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. We constantly work to train and build awareness in communities about the importance of disease prevention.

According to the CDC, slowing the transmission of the virus in communities is essential. The graph below shows how the rate of infection can be more gradual with protective measures to help stay within the capacity of health systems.

Source: Adapted from: CDC. Interim pre-pandemic planning guidance: community strategy for pandemic influenza mitigation in the United States—early, targeted, layered use of nonpharmaceutical interventions. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2007. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/11425.

Our SVP of Programs at CMMB, Dick Day, has confirmed, “Our in-country staff is fully operational and our work on the ground continues without interruption.” We are monitoring the situation closely and are taking actions based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In times like these, we feel a responsibility to reach beyond the primary recipients of our care as well. We want to encourage you to follow the basic protective measures outlined by WHO:

  1. Wash your hands frequently: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
  2. Maintain social distancing: Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  3. Practice respiratory hygiene: Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
  4. Stay home if you feel unwell: If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
  5. Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider.

We will continue to prepare in case this virus reaches impoverished communities and keep you updated as the situation unfolds. We’re keeping those affected by the virus in our prayers. May you and your loved ones stay in good health.

In grace and gratitude,

Bruce Wilkinson signature

Bruce Wilkinson