The current situation in our public health and society is uncertain and risky, and the need to protect the most vulnerable citizens is enormous. For the Foundation Open Society – Macedonia, the protection and improvement of the life of all, especially marginalized citizens is the highest priority and in that regard, FOSM provided a donation of 100,000 dollars for emergency humanitarian intervention for vulnerable Roma families who are socially and economically most directly affected by the health crisis. The donation provided humanitarian food packages and hygiene items to about 2,000 families living in Šuto Orizari, Tetovo, Gostivar, Bitola, Prilep, Kumanovo, Delčevo, Vinica Pehčevo and the village of Crnik.
Together with our partners, we remain committed to supporting marginalized citizens in improving the conditions for access to health services during this crisis.
Resources for women, parents and CSOs in vulnerable environments related to COVID-19
In times of great uncertainty, not only in terms of public health but also in terms of social and economic life, it is necessary to find ways to provide community support, especially for the marginalized.
In this regard, the Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women – ESE has developed several resources for women, parents and civil society organizations in vulnerable areas as well as a guide for civil society organizations working with vulnerable groups in the community. These resources will provide a lot of useful information on what can be done at the community level to promote social solidarity in times of physical distress, pregnancy but also breastfeeding and caring for a newborn during a COVID-19 epidemic. They will also provide tips on how to talk to children, community members, family and friends to reduce the fear, stigma and discrimination associated with the new COVID- 19.
Care for sexual and reproductive health in times of health crisis
The focus of the work of “HERA” – Association for Health Education and Research, in this health crisis is again sexual and reproductive health. Through the Memorandum of Cooperation with the Center for Crisis Management and HERA, a procedure is currently underway to purchase a “dignity kit” for women and girls in the reproductive period with a special focus on pregnant women.
In the crisis period, HERA supports the distribution of packages intended for the crisis area of Debar, i.e. for gynaecology as well as for people with disabilities, and a telephone survey is planned for women in the reproductive period that will detect the needs of hygiene services.
Despite the state of emergency, the services for pregnant women in the Youth Centers “I want to know” located in Šuto Orizari and Vodno are running smoothly, but still according to new modified protocols. Telephone and online consultations remain active and available to citizens.
1,500 masks and gloves for the needs of the community distributed
The office of the National Roma Center – Kumanovo, despite the state of emergency, is not closed and it is available daily to the community in Kumanovo and the surrounding area (Kriva Palanka, Kratovo, Probištip, Štip, Kočani, Radoviš, Strumica, Prilep, Veles, Kičevo). The NRC is also part of the Crisis Department at the Ministry of Health and is involved in tackling the crisis caused by the COVID-19 in the region in which they are active.
The NRC has also prepared a manual in Romani and Macedonian that will be broadcast on television and will allow students to attend classes while schools are closed.
At the same time, with the help of NRC, 1,500 masks and gloves were distributed for the needs of the community.
Materials and recommendations from WHO and MoH translated and synchronized into Romani
Despite the state of emergency, the IRIZ office has not been closed. Every day some on-duty employees are available to the community and who provide information on protective measures against the virus but also talk to those who need additional information.
The materials and recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health for easier access have been translated and synchronized into Romani with the help of IRIZ. At the same time, in prior coordination with the Municipality of Šuto Orizari and other organizations working in the field, IRIZ enables the timely distribution of packages to the families most affected by the health crisis.
With the declaring of a state of emergency, IRIZ is part of the Crisis Headquarters established by the Municipality of Šuto Orizari for coordination of all civil society organizations working in the field with the community, to assist those who need it most.
Actions to inform and educate the community about COVID-19
P.E.T. Station started implementing actions for informing and educating the community regarding COVID-19. At the same time, within their activities, they distributed 150 packages intended for the most vulnerable families.
Through the online platform “Call for an emergency legal assistance” which is available on the website of the P.E.T., legal assistance to the target group (users and applicants) is provided uninterruptedly in times of emergency.
Brochure with information on protection from COVID-19 to the families in Tetovo and Gostivar
Sonce Tetovo provides support, assistance and contacts with the community of the municipalities of Tetovo and Gostivar regularly and smoothly in these emergency conditions.
In cooperation with Dr Arif Pini, a brochure was finalized, published and distributed with information on COVID-19 protection. The copies of the brochure will be distributed together with the packages in the community of Tetovo and Gostivar.
In 12 municipalities where Sonce Tetovo has established its structures, Crisis Headquarters have been established where one person of the community is a member, as well as volunteers for distribution of hygiene and food packages.
During March 2020, 3 online motivational workshops were realized, which covered 50 families living in different (risky) settlements in Tetovo and Gostivar. The workshops were coordinated by the paramedics, while Dr Arif Pini was a trainer and had the opportunity to inform the clients of paralegal assistance what the COVID-19 virus means, what are the symptoms and how to recognize them, and most importantly, what measures should be taken by the citizens for protection in such a situation.
Packages for endangered families in Delčevo, Vinica and Berovo
KHAM – Delčevo regularly monitors the situation on the ground with the community in Delčevo, Vinica and Berovo and in cooperation with the municipalities is conducting a joint action – distributed 30 aid packages for endangered families.
Hygienе packages for women from Šuto Orizari
In cooperation and coordination with representatives of the municipality of Š. Orizari, the Women’s Initiative from Šuto Orizari actively cares for women’s health and in conditions of the health crisis.
Pregnant women will be able to get information on how to protect themselves through online communication, and a FB group has been set up to discuss all current needs according to the situation with COVID-19. A telephone line is expected to open soon for all those in need of legal and paralegal assistance.
The initiative has a database of customer services based on which it is planned to distribute hygiene packages according to the identified needs of women with whom they make regular contacts.
Constant contact with the elderly who suffer from chronic diseases
Romano Čacčpe is actively monitoring the situation on the ground and providing information to the Roma community. By telephone, they are in constant contact with the elderly community suffering from chronic diseases, diabetics, high blood pressure and all at risk.
According to the current problems and needs of the community, Romano Čačipe provides current solutions and information for all citizens who need help.
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6 April 2020