COVID-19 and Compassion’s Work in Mexico

An in-depth look at the coronavirus pandemic in Mexico

Last Updated: 07/27/2021

In Mexico, as of July 18, an average of 10,124 new cases of COVID-19 are being reported every day – five times more than the 2,000 recorded in early June. The number is still rising. Mexico has fully inoculated over 21% of its population of 130.2 million people, up from 14% in June. Mexico plans to vaccinate more people in communities close to the United States border to help reopen border crossings. Lockdowns in Mexico are different from state to state, since the strictness of each one changes based on how many cases are being reported there. The COVID-related death toll remains high at over 200,000 deaths.

The majority of Compassion child development centers are making calls and home visits to check on children and their families; a few have begun meeting in small groups. All frontline church partners have received flyers on disease prevention and treatment that they can print and distribute in their communities. Staff members have been able to distribute nearly 441,000 food packs and almost 219,000 hygiene kits and have provided medical support to nearly 55,000 individuals.

A Message From National Staff

How Is Compassion Currently Operating in Mexico?

Below, you will find the latest information on how Compassion is currently operating in Mexico, including status updates on center openings, letter delivery and gift delivery. This is the most current information we have, though it can change quickly. Please know that all children and their families are being checked in on regularly by staff, either in person or by phone, even if the Compassion center is not open for programming.

Are Compassion Centers Open?

Nearly all centers in Mexico are temporarily closed, though a few are able to hold small group activities. Staff members continue to call and visit at home. Because of the generous support of sponsors and donors, they have been able to distribute nearly 441,000 food packs and almost 219,000 hygiene kits to children and their families!

Are Children Receiving Letters?

Are Gifts Being Delivered?

Gifts continue to be distributed in Mexico, although they are currently delayed. In some communities, staff members have needed to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognizing that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

Story From the Field

When 17-year-old Valeria was told the lump on her neck was likely a cancerous tumor, she and her family were devastated. But to then be told that COVID-19 had created such backlogs at the hospitals in Mexico that she could not even see a specialist for six months felt like a death sentence.

Thankfully, Valeria’s mother, Esther, immediately contacted the Compassion center. Staff were able to connect Valeria with a doctor at a private hospital, covering all of her medical costs and ensuring that she could quickly have the surgery she needed to remove the tumor.

“If I hadn’t been registered in the Compassion program and the surgeries hadn’t been performed, maybe I wouldn’t be here,” Valeria says.

How can I pray for Mexico?

Pray for Compassion centers as the staff there continue to try to minister while keeping children safe and cared for. For more prayer resources, visit Compassion’s COVID-19 prayer page for prayer guides and a virtual prayer wall.

How Can I Help?

Sponsor a Child in Mexico

Give to Compassion's Critical Program Needs Fund

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