Northern Uganda Faces Crises of Covid 19 and More.

Dear Friends of GuluHelp Foundation,

The pandemic has taught us many lessons about the values of connection and compassion. It has made us dramatically aware that the suffering of others, in our own communities as well as those across the globe, ultimately affects us all. Our connection to all beings is deep. We cannot ignore hunger and poverty and disease wherever it exists. We search for ways to make a difference in our troubled world. However, if we focus on doing great things, we can easily become overwhelmed. We can find our purpose and meaning more easily if we live by the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love." I hope that those of you who are able have done small things to help your own communities or others in our country, but there is a little corner of the world, over 8,000 miles away, where your small act of compassion and connection can make a BIG difference.

As a friend of GuluHelp you know something about the people of northern Uganda. You know that they continue to suffer from disease, poverty and trauma as a result of extreme violence and unfathomable atrocities committed against them. Now, during the pandemic, as well as the threat of locust infestation, their suffering is magnified.

Though confirmed Corona virus cases are still relatively few, they continue to increase (even with very limited testing), and many have become victims of Covid 19 indirectly. Extreme travel restrictions have severely affected the Health Centers that we support. Very little provision was made to deal with emergency situations, especially for children and expectant mothers unable to reach a hospital or health center for medical assistance. Many have died as a result. Because it is difficult for people to reach the health centers and because the cost of food and other necessities has increased, the income from user fees has significantly decreased. Additionally, the threat of another locust infestation threatens the area with the destruction of crops and resulting starvation. The diocesan health centers find themselves lacking sufficient medications and without infrared thermometers or PPEs including masks, gloves, aprons and sanitizers.

The goal of GuluHelp is, in addition to our annual staff salary support, to raise $10,000 by the end of July, to assist health centers during these current crises.

Please consider a donation to GuluHelp. Recognize our universal connectedness and our ability to make a big difference by doing small things with great love. I am so grateful for all of your continued financial and prayerful support. I will keep you updated regarding the situation in Uganda as well as our fundraising progress. A big thank you to the generous donors whose gifts got us started already. Let’s keep it going.

May God bless you with peace and good health.

Debbie Jarosz, President

GuluHelp Foundation Inc.

Midwives and nursing assistant with a post natal mother at St. Joseph Health Center in Minakulu. (May 2020)