It’s been a truly challenging and worrying start to 2020, both here at home with the devastating bushfires, and now globally with COVID-19.
As the outbreak of the coronavirus escalates, we know you are deeply concerned about protecting your health and that of your loved ones. On behalf of everyone at Oxfam, we hope you stay safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.
As a humanitarian organisation it is imperative at Oxfam that we also step up and respond quickly to the increased needs of vulnerable communities, many of whom will be struggling to access clean water, food, hygiene products and healthcare.
Across the globe, we are working with our partners, governments and key United Nations agencies in 65 countries to coordinate our response. Given our expertise, much of this work will focus on the delivery of water, soap and other sanitation services. This will include increased promotion and facilitation of hygiene practices, particularly in vulnerable areas such as refugee camps.
Follow our live COVID-19 blog to read more detailed updates on our global coronavirus response:
In some countries, like Myanmar and Bangladesh, we have already increased our health promotional work around hand and respiratory hygiene in the refugee camps where we work. We are also working with vulnerable groups in Hong Kong and China, distributing protective supplies such as surgical masks, hand sanitiser and gloves. Click here to find out more about how Oxfam is preparing to respond to the coronavirus worldwide.
Now more than ever as this crisis unfolds, we need to unite. We need get past our differences, and we need to ensure the people who need our vital support are not left forgotten.
As a global community we are in this — and we can get through this — together.
