The Covid-19 pandemic is devastating lives both at home and internationally.
We can already see the strain that the pandemic is placing on our healthcare service and we are therefore deeply concerned about the impact it could have in the world’s poorest communities.
There are now cases of the virus in all of the countries where we work. A report from Imperial College London researchers suggests that in developing countries there will be 25 times more patients needing critical care than beds available.
The effects of the pandemic are likely to be severe in the world’s poorest countries. For example:
- In refugee camps such as Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, where people are living in very close and cramped proximity to one and other, the disease has the potential to spread at an unparalleled rate.
- In countries such as the Central African Republic where health systems are already weak and communities are especially vulnerable, it is unlikely they will be able to cope. Many lives will be at risk.
We must act early to save lives.
What are we doing to help?
We’re currently training teams in 23 of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries on Covid-19 prevention and response. Drawing on our long experience helping to control outbreaks like Ebola, we’re working with local health authorities to ensure a coordinated effort against the coronavirus.
We will use our experience in every way we can to stop the spread of Covid-19.
We are:
- Broadcasting advice over the radio to reduce the spread of the disease and setting up handwashing stations in communities - particularly in health centres in Niger.
- Supporting the Ministry of Health in Malawi to raise awareness of Covid-19 in high-density suburbs of Lilongwe
- Ensuring the availability of a month’s supply of food to Rohingya refugees who we support in the camps in Cox’s Bazar
You can find out more about how we're responding in each country here.
The situation is changing rapidly and we are only able to respond with speed and agility to this crisis because of the commitment of supporters like you.
Where your money goes
Our impact last year
people reached through our emergency response
people reached through our health interventions
people reached through our long term development programmes
Other ways to donate
We are always very happy to receive donations by post.
You just need to print and complete one of these forms:
Please make cheques payable to Concern Worldwide.
Our postal address for donations is:
Concern Worldwide
47 Frederick Street
Belfast
BT1 2LW
You can also donate by telephone:
Just call our Supporter Care team on 0800 035 1803 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and they can process card payments over the phone.