National Olympic Committee of Zambia and Zambian Judo Federation President Alfred Foloko is helping to distribute masks in refugee camps ©NOCZ

National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) and Zambian Judo Federation President Alfred Foloko is helping to distribute masks in refugee camps.

It is mandatory to wear facial masks in Zambia due to the pandemic, which has infected 61 people and killed three people in the country. 

Working in partnership with the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee (NIF), Foloko donated materials to the Maheba refugee camp in Solwezi, which is part of the International Judo Federation and Zambian Judo Federation refugee camp programme. 

Using the materials, protective masks will be sewed and distributed to other refugee camps which are also linked to the judo programme. 

Materials were donated to the Maheba refugee camp in Solwezi, which is part of the International Judo Federation and Zambian Judo Federation refugee camp programme ©NOCZ
Materials were donated to the Maheba refugee camp in Solwezi, which is part of the International Judo Federation and Zambian Judo Federation refugee camp programme ©NOCZ

"Given this global catastrophe we are in, we want to use judo as a tool to help society," said Foloko.

IJF and the Zambian Judo Federation officially launched the refugee camp programme in November 2016.

Camps in Lusaka, Kabwe and Mazabuka also participate in the initiative, which aims to promote peace and unity among the communities.