World Mask Week is a global movement to inspire more people to wear face coverings to help stop the spread of COVID-19

Goodbye Malaria has joined forces with the Pandemic Action Network, CDC Foundation and partners in support of World Mask Week, August 7-14, 2020. Community masking is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19. And until we have vaccines or medicines to fight COVID-19, mask wearing is one of the best tools we have - particularly when paired with social distancing, handwashing, testing and tracing.

The initiative encourages people and organizations around the world to rally behind the importance of wearing a mask to stop the spread of COVID-19 during World Mask Week and every week. People will be asked to show their support by sharing a statement, picture or video on social media, tagged with #WorldMaskWeek.

"We live in a hyper connected world. One where each and every action and inaction we take can profoundly affect the lives of those around us - from across communities to across the hemisphere's." says Sherwin Charles, CEO Goodbye Malaria

Face coverings block the spray of droplets from sneezing, coughing, talking, singing or shouting when worn over the mouth and nose. They serve as barriers that help prevent droplets from traveling into the air. Since people may have COVID-19, but not know it or have symptoms, consistent mask wearing can reduce the spread of the virus.

Goodbye Malaria prides itself in protecting and saving lives. Their range of causal merchandise is dedicated to supporting marginalised individuals throughout the value chain. "Masks represent a remarkably fortuitous extension of our range. Our "Every Mask Counts" mask initiative has not only ensured that we safeguard the livelihoods of our crafters but through the power of the collective, we have been able to distribute over 16 000 masks across South Africa into various communities to those most vulnerable." continues Charles.

World Mask Week provides the opportunity to continue to sustain this momentum, uniting disparate parties around a single message.