Children make protective masks ... we protect them with the preventive detection of COVID

The COVID pandemic constitutes a difficult challenge to the accommodation structures of unaccompanied minor refugee children. The necessary restriction of dozens of children and adolescents within the structure, while activities are reduced, easily causes difficult situations on a psychological level, but also health risks. We have faced these challenges in a dynamic way.

First systematic detection of SARS-COV2 in unaccompanied minor structures
Kinoniko EKAV diligently applied all the imposed protective measures, but this was not sufficient. It also pioneered the systematic preventive detection of the coronavirus in all children and all employees of its structures. Approximately 200 antibody tests were performed in the 3 structures of the Kinoniko EKAV. Two individuals were positive in the same structure, a caregiver for IgM antibodies and a child for IgG antibodies. Antibody tests are known to detect whether a person has been exposed to the virus, but do not determine if that person is contagious. This information is given only by the PCR test, which detects the virus itself. Therefore, the National Public Health Organisation was called immediately, which in response δθρινγ the same day, performed a PCR test on all children and employees, which were negative.

The systematic conduct of preventive tests allowed us to obtain a true picture of the epidemiological situation, which significantly facilitated the planning of the proper functioning of the structures and created a climate of security and normality. It is also a valuable contribution to the assessment of the prevalence of COVID. These results were notified for use to the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors.

Protective masks which give us voice
The minors who live in the structures of the Kinoniko EKAV, wanted to contribute in their own way to tackling the epidemic. Noticing the lack of protective masks, they decided to sew the masks by themselves. The organization provided the children with sewing machines and all the necessary materials and so began a daily activity! The children sewed and painted the masks, expressing their humor as well as their sensitivity.

In this way, they wanted to remind us that when we get rid of the coronavirus, 140,000 children will continue to die each year from measles, 405,000 lives are lost each year due to malaria and that tuberculosis kills 2 million people relentlessly, despite the fact that antibiotics and vaccines are available!

The minors of the social structures of the Kinoniko EKAV created these protective masks, which while covering the mouth, give a voice to whoever wears them.

See photos

7 Μαΐου 2020