In late February, when the coronavirus still seemed like a far-off threat to many Americans, officials in West African nations began to prepare their public health response: They brought out thermometers, protective equipment and handwashing stations. When the first cases arrived in large cities, schools and airports were quickly closed. These nations did not have a large number of cases (and still don’t). What they do have is the fresh memory of the Ebola crisis that hit the region in 2014-16, taking over 11,000 lives and crippling already impoverished countries.

This week, we talk with Jennifer Overton, the regional director for West Africa for Catholic Relief Services, which has decades of experience providing emergency health services in the region. We ask Jennifer what the United States can learn from the West African response, how the experience of Ebola changed the people of the most affected nations and what the role of the church is during the current pandemic. 

And in Signs of the Times: Ever wonder what a day in the life of the pope would be like? We discuss “Pope Simulator,” a computer game in development that lets you influence the course of world events soft papal power and “Bless units.” Next, a Catholic school uniform company is donating face masks made with that iconic Catholic plaid to health care workers. Finally, we introduce a new recurring segment, in which we take a deep dive into the different ways vulnerable populations are experiencing the coronavirus pandemic—and what we can do to help. This week, we cover the unique hardships faced by migrants in detention centers and abroad.

Let us know what you thought about the show and where you found God this week on our Facebook page. We are committed to accompanying you all during these challenging times both through this podcast and the larger Jesuitical community. If you can support our work by becoming a member of our Patreon community, we would be most grateful. 

 

Links from the show

Stories

Pope Simulator promises a 'realistic' depiction of life as the Supreme Pontiff
Catholic school uniform company now making, donating face masks
As coronavirus spreads amid deportations, bishops call for protection of migrants
Trump to Temporarily Halt Immigration Into the U.S. Amid Coronavirus Crisis
Congolese archbishop highlights double challenge of Ebola and coronavirus

Learn more and give

Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
Kino Border Initiative
Hope Border Institute
Catholic Charities USA Covid-19 Resource Center

What’s on tap?

“The real holy water” (a.k.a., Scotch)

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