These stories are part of Global Voices’ special coverage of COVID-19 and offer a view on the pandemic from the perspective of our global community of contributors.
Stories about COVID-19 from June, 2020
Part I: Health care information access for women during COVID-19 in East Africa
In Kenya, pregnant women struggle to get uninterrupted access to sexual and reproductive health-related information and education during the pandemic — on and offline.
COVID-19 is rapidly exhausting Bangladesh healthcare system amidst alarming rise of infected people
As Bangladesh tries to figure out which lockdown measure is the answer, public healthcare systems are failing largely, resulting in no signs of the COVID-19 contraction curve plateauing.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: When diaries become citizen reports
"As time passes, diaries are like caterpillars transforming into butterflies."
Tanzanian women’s savings and loan groups in flux during COVID-19
In Tanzania and around the world, COVID-19 exposes the vulnerability of microfinance savings and loan groups during large-scale crises.
Post-crisis hackathon: Ecuadorian NGOs crowdsource for a world after COVID-19
More than 550 people registered for a hackathon to find solutions for Ecuador's post-COVID-19 future.
Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza unexpectedly dies, but the political party continues
Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza unexpectedly died, but the CNDD-FDD political party — in power since 2005 — continues.
Information warfare: COVID-19’s other battleground in the Middle East
As leaders vie to frame narratives and control public opinion on COVID-19, social media is a battlefield where influencers, trolls, bots, and commenter armies fight for influence and power.
These officials flouted lockdown rules in Myanmar, Malaysia, and the Philippines
From "pagoda renovations" to "mananitas", the region's politicians are finding a language to bypass harsh lockdowns.
Censorship tactics overshadow Vietnam's successful COVID-19 response
Dinh Thi Thu Thuy faces from five to 12 years in jail if she is convicted for disseminating critical Facebook posts.
The rise of artemisia in Cameroon in the fight against COVID-19
As COVID-19 cases continue to soar in Cameroon, many who believe in local herbs have turned to the potent artemisia plant as the government reopens the economy in the country.
In Guinea, COVID-19 roadblocks result in bloody protests
On May 12, Guinea was rocked by bloody violence between security forces and citizens exasperated by power cuts and COVID-19 prevention roadblocks.
COVID-19 super-spreaders and Indonesia's ‘New Normal’
One religious event held in March is suspected of causing virus outbreaks in 22 provinces, health authorities said.
Azerbaijan declares strict weekend lockdown after surge in COVID-19 cases
There may be further weekend lockdowns to come, depending on how the country's COVID-19 curve develops in coming days.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions, Spain’s extreme right supporters protested in Madrid
"Fascism is also a virus"
In Nicaragua, people apparently die of ‘pneumonia’, not COVID-19
The current Nicaraguan administration has neglected the healthcare system and been letting people die since 2018.
The return of birds during the COVID-19 lockdown is a boon to Nepali wildlife photographers
Weeks of lockdown have created a favourable environment for birds due to the reduction of pollution and less human interference.
Restarting Caribbean economies under threat of COVID-19
As a major source of foreign exchange and employment for most of the region, safely opening up borders to overseas visitors has become ever more pressing.
Is the Caribbean winning the fight against COVID-19?
Could the region be past the worst — or simply enjoying a quieter period before the much-feared second wave?
How COVID-19 is intensifying content moderation’s flaws
Internet platforms have always struggled with free expression, misinformation, and hate speech. But the COVID crisis has elevated those problems to a new level
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Collateral damage
I did not plan to write this diary for 77 days. Writing is a kind of conversation – with myself, and with others.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: A day of arranged mourning
"Today is a sunny. I always look forward to a sunny day when it is cloudy. But the sunlight today feels so ironic."