Nearly 300 projects funded in Africa and the Middle East to counter pandemic

Ventilators, analysis kits, and supplies for prevention and halting contagion in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Turkey, and Ukraine, are part of what is happening with 19 projects, and more than half a million euros allocated directly by the Congregation for Eastern Churches (CEC).

Added to these are another 298 projects in 22 countries thanks to the coordination and communication activities being carried out by the secretariat of ROACO (Riunione Opere di Aiuto Chiese Orientali), for a total of over nine million euros. Cardinal Prefect Leonardo Sandri presented this data in his address at the 94th plenary assembly of ROACO, which is being held in Rome at the Casa Bonus Pastor from Monday to Thursday (21-24 June).

The medical equipment is part of aid granted through the CEC Emergency Fund for the year 2020 to deal with the problems and economic difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is part of the emergency response that was implemented by drawing on reserves from the Holy Land Fund to ensure help was provided. He noted that it is a "drop in the ocean of need, but still provides precious assistance for many brothers and sisters".