Free cloth masks for those most in need
MORE than 1 000 masks were distributed to community health workers and those susceptible to Covid-19 in Site B, Khayelitsha.
The masks, an initiative of the Ubuntu Cloth Masks, aims to provide free non-medical masks to those unable to afford them.
Western Cape on Wellness, the provincial health department, the Health Foundation and Coconut Jazz factory co-ordinated the project.
Site B clinic in Khayelitsha is a community healthcare centre with a 24-hour emergency service and maternity ward.
Another 1 500 masks were distributed at the Michael Mapongwana Community Health Centre.
“The purpose of the mask project was to generate funding with the sole purpose of handing masks over to those who can’t afford masks, for free.
“We started the process, supported by the MEC and our senior management, where we’ve been talking to private organisations to generate funding,” said Health Department director James Kruger.
Coconut Jazz factory seamstresses, who make the masks, were unemployed at the start of the lockdown.
Also, with every mask bought another is given for free.
“We’re asking corporates to support the mask project. The main purpose is to give a free mask to poor and impoverished communities, community health workers, those who can’t afford to buy a mask,” said Kruger.
The masks have also been included in the chronic medication packs for Covid-19 high-risk candidates, who have their chronic medication delivered to their homes as part of the province’s chronic medication strategy to help fight the spread of the pandemic and reduce the risk of infections at healthcare facilities.
“There are many infections that are happening and one of the contributing factors is the lack of masks, hand and surface hygiene, and social distancing,” said Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo.
Mbombo and Lara Fairall, a professor of the Knowledge Translation Unit, distributed the Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) Home Volume 1 booklets to community health workers in Khayelitsha.
To donate to the initiative, contact Harry Grainger at harry@thehealthfoundation.org.za or 072 613 3719. Masks can be purchased via the e-commerce site, Shopstar. The link can be found on the Health Foundation’s website www.thehealthfoundation. org.za