Aid for Sandzak Against Covid19
Donation protected
Cities across Sandzak, including Tutin, Novi Pazar, Sjenica, and Rozaje, are experiencing a catastrophic surge in Covid-19 cases that has crippled their local healthcare systems to near collapse.
Public hospitals, which were already in a deteriorating state before the pandemic due to lack of funding from a national government that turns its face on this region, lack basic resources to care for patients, such as bed sheets, thermometers, and ambulences. Covid-19 specific supplies are just as scarce - oxygen tanks, IV-drips, needles, PPE, masks, and gloves are just a few of the many items needed to provide adequate care.
After an attempted cover-up of the situation by the Serbian government, the public pleaded for help as the death toll mounted. In Novi Pazar, some patients were denied treatment, turned away from hospitals. Those that did receive treatment witnessed an overcrowded hospital where proper hygiene was not observed; patients struggling to breathe slept on floors; Covid-19 positive patients mixed with negative; and oxygen tanks, in short supply, were shared between patients in short time increments.
Thankfully, the diaspora across the world mobilized swiftly into action and progress is being made, but there is still a long way to go. As New Yorkers know, a city’s battle with the coronavirus is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Things in the region will likely get worse before they get better.
This fundraiser aims to raise money from the Balkan diaspora (and anyone else willing to lend a hand!) in the NY/NJ area which will be used to purchase necessary medical supplies for hospitals across the region.
Proceeds will be donated to local organizations and people who have proven themselves to be well organized in these efforts and trusted by the local communities.
Public hospitals, which were already in a deteriorating state before the pandemic due to lack of funding from a national government that turns its face on this region, lack basic resources to care for patients, such as bed sheets, thermometers, and ambulences. Covid-19 specific supplies are just as scarce - oxygen tanks, IV-drips, needles, PPE, masks, and gloves are just a few of the many items needed to provide adequate care.
After an attempted cover-up of the situation by the Serbian government, the public pleaded for help as the death toll mounted. In Novi Pazar, some patients were denied treatment, turned away from hospitals. Those that did receive treatment witnessed an overcrowded hospital where proper hygiene was not observed; patients struggling to breathe slept on floors; Covid-19 positive patients mixed with negative; and oxygen tanks, in short supply, were shared between patients in short time increments.
Thankfully, the diaspora across the world mobilized swiftly into action and progress is being made, but there is still a long way to go. As New Yorkers know, a city’s battle with the coronavirus is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Things in the region will likely get worse before they get better.
This fundraiser aims to raise money from the Balkan diaspora (and anyone else willing to lend a hand!) in the NY/NJ area which will be used to purchase necessary medical supplies for hospitals across the region.
Proceeds will be donated to local organizations and people who have proven themselves to be well organized in these efforts and trusted by the local communities.
Organizer
Sanel and Leana Selmanovic
Organizer
Astoria, NY
