May 7, 2009

CHICAGO – 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.

ELCA News Service