Goodbye Malaria joins the #AfricaMaskWeek initiative

A new initiative #AfricaMaskWeek encourages the people of Africa to continue wearing masks as a protective measure against the spread of COVID-19.

This week marks the launch of #AfricaMaskWeek, an effort led by Pandemic Action Network.

Social benefit organisation, Goodbye Malaria supports this drive as it continues to produce and sell its patented shweshwe masks – stimulating an economy and protecting lives.

Mask-wearing is declining 

Led by the Pandemic Action Network, in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy, the African Youth Front on Coronavirus, Resolve to Save Lives, and many other organisations, this week-long campaign will encourage mask-wearing across the African continent.

Despite COVID-19’s continued spread in Africa, recent data suggests that mask-wearing is declining. Co-founder of Goodbye Malaria Sherwin Charles believes now is the time for all sectors of society to embrace this initiative. “As we remember those who have passed away from the virus in this national week of mourning, we must never forget that Africa is particularly vulnerable to the effects of this virus. Even though we are experiencing summer months and a decline in cases, we need be vigilant as the virus remains a massively destabilising threat.”

He says it is up to all of us to make sure our friends, family, colleagues and communities wear their masks. ““Until there is a solid vaccine available to stop COVID-19 in its tracks, wearing a mask is one of the best tools we have, especially when combined with social distancing and hand washing,” says Charles.

Remarkable opportunity 

Ironically, while presenting a massive challenge to the fight against malaria, COVID-19 has created a remarkable opportunity for Goodbye Malaria to uplift families and communities during South Africa’s months-long lockdown.

Two killer diseases inextricably linked: malaria helping to fight COVID-19, COVID-19 helping in the fight against malaria. Once lockdown hit, and with a storeroom full of its patented shweshwe fabrics, Goodbye Malaria lit the fires of production with suppliers and seamstresses across the country, offering them the opportunity to start producing masks for Goodbye Malaria to sell at their airport carts and on their online store.

What started with modest intentions of producing enough masks to sustain the livelihoods of its crafters during the lockdown, turned into a global initiative from Africa to the world that has seen Goodbye Malaria distribute masks to over 120 cities in over 18 countries.

“Crucial to our Every Mask Counts initiative was a commitment to donate masks into vulnerable communities in South Africa. The masks being made by crafters who found themselves unemployed due to the Coronavirus, completing an extraordinary circle of hope: providing lifesaving employment, by creating masks that prevent infection from COVID-19, to generate funds to prevent deaths from malaria,” says Charles.

Through proceeds generated from the sale of masks, Goodbye Malaria has donated over 12 000 masks into various communities across South Africa.

“Africa Mask Week should serve as a reminder. We cannot become complacent when so much is at stake,” warns Charles. “It doesn’t matter where you get your masks from but please use it and use it properly so we can limit the spread of the virus and prevent a potential second wave.”

“#AfricaMaskWeek is a call to action for leaders and the people of Africa,” says Gabriel Fitzgerald, co-Founder of the Pandemic Action Network. “Leaders should lead by example by consistently promoting mask-wearing and by wearing a mask in public. We must not rest or stop practicing those things that will help stop the spread of COVID-19, like handwashing, physical distancing and mask-wearing.”