COVID-19 has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world. As it spreads quickly through the world, we are yet again reminded of the interconnectedness of the global community.
As an organization deeply committed to the health of our local communities, we are thankful that the disease has not spread so quickly in Togo. We applaud the Minister of Health for his preparedness plan and swift action on containing the disease as the first case was discovered. At Integrate Health, we have made a number of changes to our regular programming including canceling unnecessary travel, allowing remote work and increasing communication about the virus. However, we understand that our employees who face the highest risk from the virus are those who often are left unprotected, the healthcare workers.
Since Integrate Health received word of the national preparedness plan for COVID-19 in Togo, we have acknowledged the central role that Integrate Health-supported health centers, health center staff, and community health workers play in not only preventing the spread of the virus but maintaining quality healthcare delivery despite the threat of extra pressure on the health system. In response, Integrate Health has created a preparedness plan for Integrate Health’s healthcare provider staff in accordance with international best practices and recommendations to ensure that our healthcare providers including Integrate Health’s Community Health Workers are well informed to prevent unnecessary illness from COVID-19. Furthermore, we are working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that necessary equipment and medication remains available, amid stockouts of hand sanitizer and masks.
We recognize that quality healthcare services save lives, not just during a pandemic, but every day and we will do everything to ensure that our program continues to move forward with essential services while minimizing risk for the healthcare providers.
We urge everyone to continue to spread correct information and practice personal measures encouraged by the World Health Organization. For the most recent updates please refer to the World Health Organization and the CDC.
To see the most up to date COVID-19 response, please click here.