There are now reported cases of Covid-19 in every country where Concern operates. The pandemic has arrived at a time of unprecedented global need, with a record of 168 million people already requiring humanitarian assistance at the beginning of 2020. Concern, as a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee, is appealing for funds to help people as they face this deadly new threat.
For countries and communities already in crisis — where health systems are weak, lacking most basic equipment, and suffering severe shortages of healthcare workers — the impact of Covid-19 is alarming.
This pandemic threatens to reverse decades of hard-won development and progress to ending poverty and hunger. For Concern Worldwide, this is unacceptable. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that does not happen.
Concern’s Response
Concern has over 50 years’ of experience leading health programmes in fragile and conflict-affected countries, including our response to the Ebola virus epidemic. While our primary mission is to help prevent and contain the spread of the coronavirus, our overall Covid-19 emergency response is also aimed at preventing economic and nutritional ramifications of the pandemic.
Good Hygiene Promotion – We are running campaigns promoting good hygiene, distributing hygiene supplies, and improving access to water through the construction or rehabilitation of wells, water pumps and emergency water distributions. We are increasing handwashing stations in areas of operation, such as health care facilities.
Supporting Healthcare Workers – We are providing health workers, in both health facilities and out in communities, with personal protective equipment, training on contact tracing and proper Infection Prevention and Control procedures, as well as ensuring they have up-to-date and accurate information on Covid-19.
Mitigating Impact through Cash Assistance – As mandatory quarantines are enforced and economies slow, those living in countries with no social security are faced with the threat of food insecurity. We are providing cash transfers and livelihood support to ensure families can continue to meet their most urgent needs.
Effective Communication and Accurate Information – We are providing clear, accurate, and consistent information (while also correcting misinformation) through community awareness campaigns. With increased social distancing and lockdowns, Concern will work with radio stations and telecommunication providers and connect digitally with community leaders to promote Covid-19 prevention information.
Tackling Child Malnutrition – Concern is working to maintain ongoing food and nutrition programmes to avoid the hunger crisis unfolding, while integrating nutrition into our Covid-19 responses. Where we identify supply chain problems, we are pre-positioning stocks of essential supplies. We are also giving parents longer supplies of therapeutic foods so that they do not have to visit health centres as frequently.
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
extremely vulnerable people supported in 82 emergencies
people reached through our health interventions
people reached, in 24 of the world's poorest countries
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.