1975 - When Haoua and Joseph - a Muslim and Christian of Nigerien origin – fell in love, they did not think much about their religions' differences. They shared similar values, similar worldviews, and similarly a strong faith in God. This led them to travel around the world together and discover various cultures and countries, both doing what they loved. Joseph, as a distinguished career diplomat and Haoua, as a humanitarian dedicated to Africa’s poorest rural areas.
Forty-five years later, blessed with four kids and three grandchildren and memories to last for a lifetime, everything in their lives seemed to be working for the better. A month after their wedding anniversary, the elderly couple developed Covid-19 symptoms. Due to safety precautions, they were admitted to different hospitals. Haoua said goodbye to Joseph just before paramedics put her in the ambulance. She entered the emergency room that evening, not realizing that it would be the last time she would be with her husband. But it is not the first time Haoua has faced a life-or-death situation.
“Fighting and Beating Covid-19: Sharing an African perspective” focuses on her personal life accounts - as the wife of a Catholic diplomat, a mother of four, and a tolerant, open-minded Muslim woman – and explores all the past and present spiritual experiences that define who she is today. It is also a story about how religion and culture help us gain perspective, find solace and comfort in our lives, especially in times of unfathomable crisis.