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Earlier this year, Good Neighbours Canada (GNCA) received a generous donation of 180,000 KN95 masks from its recurring donor, PPE Supply Canada. We are happy to announce that we have coordinated with our partners, Good Neighbors Tajikistan (GNT), to help distribute these masks to communities in Dusti District, Khatlon Region.
The Dusti District, formerly known as the Jilikul District, has an estimated population of 117,100 people. It is known for its dusty climate and cotton-growing industry, where women work as field labourers to pick cotton from August to December. Tajikistan relies heavily on its agriculture industry. However, exposure to cotton dust leaves field workers at risk of respiratory problems and other complications. This is further exacerbated by its close proximity to Afghanistan.
Currently, the poverty rate of Tajikistan is at roughly 20%, with rural areas facing the worst of it. A significant number of these field workers face financial challenges and, as a result, are unable to purchase proper protective material from dust pollution. Because high-quality masks are too expensive, field workers have resorted to just using scarves to cover their faces, but it does not have the proper filtering material to protect them from harmful dust particles.
On the 21st of August, GNT was able to receive our delivery of PPE masks and worked alongside the local government office to distribute masks to those most in need. The primary beneficiaries are the cotton field workers, with a focus on the women who are actively cotton picking. These masks encourage healthy and safe working conditions for the women as well as alleviate their financial strain.
“The masks not only save our budget but also help us stay healthy while working in the fields.”
Aside from the workers, masks were also given to kindergarten teachers in the district. They expressed their gratitude for the quality of the masks. Before this donation, they could only afford simple masks due to their low salaries. Lastly, healthcare workers serving the community were also given free masks for their protection.
Health and safety of vulnerable communities remain at the heart of GNCA’s mission. Through this gift-in-kind donation, we were able to improve the health and safety of the women and children in the Dusti District. More than increased protection, this donation also furthers our goal of empowering women by acknowledging the vital role of the women working as cotton-pickers and providing them with the necessary equipment to continue their livelihood.
GNCA has partners in over 50 countries around the world, each with their own unique needs and circumstances. For this reason, we gladly accept large bulk items as donations and deliver them to communities that are most in need. If you’re interested in making a gift-in-kind donation, email us at hello@gncanada.ca to find out how you can make a positive impact.
Thank you to PPE Supply Canada for their donation
