Mexico: an urgent school for the children of NPH

Dear friends.

For months now, NPH Mexico staff have worn face masks and transparent full-face plastic shields when working inside the homes. Other items such as thermometers and protective suits for the medical staff, supplies for virus contagion prevention such as sheets, mattresses, towels, etc., had to be purchased. As a result, more than US$16,000 has been spent that was not budgeted. To help prevent COVID-19 infections, NPH Mexico has made wearing a face mask mandatory for all children and adolescents inside the homes. So far, 420 reusable masks have been distributed in the home in Miacatlán and 200 in Cuernavaca, with each mask costing Mex$5.50 (US$0.30).

The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed NPH’s budget, due the increased price of food and supplies. The National Director of NPH Mexico, Rafael Bermúdez, says, “We have added the price of basic food and hygiene products and disinfectants which we are using in large amounts and which have risen considerably in cost. For example, the cost of eggs has risen approximately 20% in much of the country. As expected, people are buying medical and cleaning supplies, food, and other products in large quantities. Thus, we must be prepared, considering our large population, with over 400 children alone in Miacatlán.”

The current high COVID-19 infection rate in Morelos means that fight against it continues. To be able to face this challenge, NPH Mexico is requesting support to purchase the following items.

- Portable Oxygen concentrator machine - AIRSEP 10 L

- Respiratory Hygiene Station Boxes

- Hand-Free Sanitizer Dispensers

- PCR Tests for COVID-19

- Antibody Tests for COVID-19

- Three-ply Cloth Masks

- Goggles

- Boxes of Non-Sterile Gloves

- Wall-Mounted Infrared Forehead K3 Pro Thermometer with Stand

- Non-Contact Instant Reading Digital Temperature Detector

- Multivitamins (100 caplet bottles)

- Posters with information for COVID-19 prevention, size 50x35 inches

- Basic Vital Signs Digital Monitor

Preventing COVID-19 in the NPH homes is a challenge. Primary health care for this requires using rapid tests, personal protective equipment, monitoring equipment, disinfectant supplies, medication, vitamins, and careful monitoring of the patients and the high-risk groups. In addition, NPH Mexico promotes these preventive methods and safeguarding tips through discussions, murals, and banners placed throughout the homes. These can serve not only during the pandemic but also to prevent other conditions.

On another front, the Psychology Department monitors the children and adolescents to detect and treat any mental health issues due to being confined for over a year, a long time for a child or youth.

The Social Work Department has kept the children's families informed that the children are in good health and protected from the pandemic.

The effort to protect the children and youths must continue and strengthen every day, not only in the homes in the state of Morelos but also in the other two NPH homes in northern Mexico.

We would like to thank our donors and godparents for the love and support they have given the NPH Mexico family during this crisis. This is a difficult time for everybody, with many people having to make personal and financial sacrifices. Any help you can support us with right now is most appreciated.