MMCF's Response to COVID-19 in Nigeria

In the initial distribution of assistance, each house-hold received rice, beans, garri (a West African flour grain), maggi seasoning cubes as well as soap.

Volunteers divide beans into individual bags for distribution to the needy.

A volunteer apportions Maggi seasoning cubes, used throughout Nigeria to enhance the flavor of food.

A volunteer waits to distribute the staple goods.

As of March 24, 2020, Nigeria had 44 confirmed COVID-19 cases and Ebonyi State, where Fr. Edward is based, decided to close its borders to help combat the spread of the virus.  Since most homes in Ebonyi State lack running water the World Health Organization's directive to combat the virus by repeatedly washing hands proves even more challenging to the rural poor of Nigeria.  Those seeking to purchase food are required to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer at the gates before entering the market. 

​As soon as the MMCF board learned from Fr. Edward that COVID-19 was impacting the rural poor of Ebonyi State,  MMCF wired funds to Fr. Edward to purchase soap and basic food staples to help the neediest families in the area surrounding Abakaliki during the pandemic.  In early April, Fr. Edward and his parishioners began distributing the first wave of basic food staples and soap to the neediest households.  

Recipients practice social distancing as they receive the food assistance provided by MMCF.

With the generous support of others including Friends of Nigeria, Inc., MMCF has been able to direct funds to Fr. Edward to continue distributing food assistance to villagers.

The border closures within Nigeria have led to shortages and increase in the price for basic food items at the local open air markets where families go to buy or barter to supplement what they might grow themselves.  As Father Edward explains. "Only a few are able to make regular purchases now due to the high cost, and so many families eat only one meal a day.”

For more about MMCF's response to COVID-19 related hardships please click here.