ELCA Provides Funds to Help Disinfect Schools in Mexico

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) is providing $3,000 in an effort help clean
public schools and assist low-income families purchase
disinfectants to safeguard against influenza in Mexico.
The ELCA sent the funds to Amextra, an ELCA companion
ministry in Mexico. The funds will be used to help disinfect
public schools in the town of Lomas, where there is no
government assistance, according to Amextra. Schools
reopened May 6. Amextra is also providing families with
personal hygiene products and household disinfectant products
such as bleach.
Amextra is a grassroots organization in Mexico that
fosters community development in rural and urban communities,
and it stands in solidarity with individuals and families to
help them improve their own quality of life.
"A large majority of Amextra's work engages with
marginalized families with low incomes," many of whom cannot
afford to purchase households items and vitamin supplements
to strengthen immune systems, said Megan Bradfield, associate
director for international development, ELCA Global Mission.
More than 800 cases of influenza have been confirmed in
Mexico with 26 confirmed deaths, Bradfield said.
The Mexican government cancelled public events and closed
all schools in the country last week. In an effort to stem
the outbreak, the government issued communications about
symptoms and preventive measures, and distributed face masks.
It offered quick diagnosis and medical attention for suspected
cases and isolated the sick. People voluntarily chose to go
outside as little as possible, according to reports from
Amextra.
The Rev. Raquel E. Rodriguez, director for the Latin
America/Caribbean continental desk, ELCA Global Mission, was
in Mexico City April 22-25.
Traveling at the height of the influenza scare, Rodriguez
said she was "impressed by how disciplined and responsive
people were when the government took action."
People heeded government instructions "to avoid public
areas, refrain from handshaking and greeting with a kiss,
which is very common in Mexico, and no congregating of people.
In Mexico City, with a population of more than 30 million
people, about 800 cases were reported. People there are to
be commended for helping to contain the influenza," she said.
During her visit to Mexico City, Rodriguez preached at
an ordination service April 25 for three women graduates of
a Lutheran seminary there. Attendance at the service was lower
than expected, since public gatherings such as church services
were not recommended.
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INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS:
Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid
to survivors of major disasters outside the United States,
Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:

ELCA International Disaster Response, PO Box 71764, Chicago,
IL 60694-1764, 1-800-638-3522 and
http://www.ELCA.org/disaster/idrgive on the Internet.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
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