This information is current as of April 20, 2020 reported from our partner, Jean-Paul Cyr, President of Friends of Saint Camille in Quebec, Canada. He speaks to Gregoire nearly daily. Situation in Benin is this: there are officially 35 people infected and 5 deaths. In Togo: 43/3 and in Ivory Coast: 654/6. Everyone agrees that it would be better to multiply these numbers…by how much? (10? 100? more?). No one knows.

No patient has COVID-19 infection in any of the centers of Saint Camille. Gregoire equipped the centers with devices to wash hands and to take the temperature of any new patient. Roads are blocked to prevent travel but Gregoire is finding ways around them to deliver supplies and medications. Fear is well established in countries due to the weakness of health services and the difficulty in accessing them.

A large order of medication made by Saint Camille last December in India was delayed until April 8th due to the border closing and airport delays. Gregoire was able to secure a supplement at the Pharmacy of the State of Benin with money from Friends. However, two major medications were missing from the list used especially for the treatment of schizophrenia. Relapses have begun to occur.

As you can see, there are many effects of COVID-19, direct and indirect. Staff salaries are paid out of patient fees for medication.  Due to road blocks some patients cannot get to the clinic to pick up medications forcing a cut in salaries.   Please keep Saint Camille and all of the most vulnerable worldwide in your caring thoughts as I am at this difficult time for all.

Jocelyn W Bonner, MD