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Bolivia has been hit hard by the spread of Covid-19. As a result of the pandemic, Bolivia's economy has entered a deep recession and poverty has increased. Through various economic initiatives, the authorities have tried to help those affected the worst, but as in other countries, the pandemic has highlighted structural differences aggravating the situation (source: World Bank). One of Bolivia's challenges is that over 70% of the national economy is informal. About 2.5 million households are self-employed, and national lockdowns and other restrictions have led to many people permanently or temporarily losing their sources of income (source: UNDP). Therefore, despite the serious spread of infection, there are many people who out of sheer necessity go to markets to buy and sell goods.
On Sunday March 21 the volunteers for Juchuy Mama Bolivia headed out to distribute masks to the local population, in order to help reduce the spread of infection and to make the population aware of the foundation's work. The volunteers divided themselves into smaller groups and visited the Callapa and San Isidrio areas in La Paz, as well as the Ceja area and the 16 de Julio market in the nearby city El Alto. Many masks were distributed to the women working at the market. According to JMB, the need was especially great in El Alto, where large parts of the population did not have a mask at all.
On March 21, Bolivia received its first vaccine delivery through the global vaccination program COVAX. A total of 228,000 doses of vaccine landed in the capital, La Paz. But with a population of more than 11 million, the country still has a long way to go.
Support the foundation's work in Bolivia! Click here to read about how you can donate. Every donation goes directly to the work in La Paz, and every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.
