The coronavirus must not be allowed to break out in the Sahrawi refugee camps in western Algeria under any circumstances. Medical care would have nothing to counter the pandemic, as it is barely sufficient for everyday emergencies. Our UJSARIO partners in Smara and their young people are therefore spreading vital information, because the Saharawis only have a chance with prevention.
When a Sahrawi family has guests, tea is a must. Traditionally, the drink is poured several times from one drinking glass into the next until a froth forms. This happens in three rounds. Now the Saharawis have to be meticulous about hygiene here, otherwise the coronavirus could spread via the used glasses.
Fortunately, no corona cases have yet occurred in the refugee camps in western Algeria. The borders with Algeria and Mauritania are closed and traffic between the five Sahrawi camps is restricted. In Algeria, 1900 people have fallen ill with Covid-19, in Mauritania 9 have been reported so far. The number of unreported cases is likely to be significantly higher.
No healthcare
The rapid response of the Frente Polisario – the Sahrawi independence movement and de facto government – has prevented the worst from happening. Medical care in the camps is in a desolate state. The Sahrawi doctor Abdala Banani Saaid told Euronews that the health staff only have 600 pairs of gloves and 2,000 masks at their disposal. Around 170,000 people live in the refugee camps , writes the UN refugee organization (UNHCR). None of the health centers in the Sahrawi refugee centers are prepared for a Covid-19 outbreak, Saaid continued. “Not even the national hospital has ventilators.”
Prevention is therefore the most important, because it is the only, measure against the coronavirus. Our partners from the youth organization UJSARIO have therefore started to publicize hygiene recommendations. For example, with a demo video on how to make the important tea ritual safe.
The UJSARIO also provide information about correct and regular hand washing and social distancing. Young people and employees of the partner organization have put up and distributed posters with the most important information in the districts. This means that most people are aware of the danger and can protect themselves accordingly. Information is distributed via social media and radio and the population is informed about the importance of hygiene.
Even if social distancing rules are observed, guests and hosts often come into contact with the carpets. In Sahrawi culture, a lot happens on the floor: Enjoying tea together, eating, playing games or sitting together. One hygiene measure is to place the carpets in the sun and dry air. It is not yet known exactly whether this will put an end to the coronavirus. There is no water for intensive carpet washing in the camps in the middle of the Sahara. The sun’s UV rays are therefore better than nothing.
A gateway remains
The coronavirus outbreak remains a danger for the Saharawis, as they are still completely dependent on UNHCR aid. Our partners on the ground report that goods are still being delivered. This unavoidable contact with the outside world remains a small gateway for the coronavirus. This is why terre des hommes schweiz is supporting the UJSARIO in Smara with its awareness-raising work, because the Saharawis only have a chance against the coronavirus if they prevent it.
Help us fight the coronavirus.
Pictures: UJSARIO
