According to the WHO recommendations, the adoption of regular hygiene gestures (like washing hands frequently and wearing masks) can effectively help to fight the spread of the virus. In France, however, this simple gesture is far from being obvious for the poorest populations, such as the homeless, refugees or families living in slums. About 143.000 people are considered homeless and 91.000 living in slums in France.

In March 2020, in the midst of the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Île-de-France, the joint effort between Solidarités International and Médecins du Monde helped 215 families in several slums in Saint-Denis, Drancy, Aubervilliers and Stains, where access to water and sanitation is limited, which collaborates to the rapid spread of the virus.     

The teams distribute soap, hygiene kits and baby kits. The distributions are carried out in compliance with social distancing measures, disseminating key awareness messages about the importance of hygiene measures to fight the virus. Temporary access to water has also been installed in several slums so that residents can live in dignified conditions and better-equipped to apply the recommended preventive measures recommended in the fight against COVID-19. In total, 8 sites were connected to drinking water, benefiting 412 families, and 9 sites received hygiene kits for 1,014 people.

Support and learn more about this initiative at https://www.solidarites.org/fr/missions/france/