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Press release

DEC launches Coronavirus Appeal to help people in world’s most fragile states fight triple threat posed by pandemic 


Christian charities along with fellow members of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) on Tuesday (14th) launched a Coronavirus Appeal to raise funds to help the most vulnerable communities in the world fleeing from conflict and instability who now face the new deadly threat of Covid-19.

The DEC Appeal aims to protect people from the virus in the world’s five most fragile states, plus Afghanistan, the most fragile state in Asia, and the world’s largest refugee camp, in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. 

The UK-wide appeal is being driven by urgent humanitarian need – but also by “good sense”, Alexander Matheou, British Red Cross, Executive Director of International told journalists at the appeal’s press launch on Tuesday.

“We’re not safe until we’re all safe,” he said. “The world is interconnected. We need to help each other in this time of need.”
Saleh Saeed, DEC Chief Executive, said that countries such as Yemen, Syria, Somalia and South Sudan have been weakened by years of war and instability and now face a “new, deadly, silent threat”.

In Yemen – where 50% of health services have been destroyed – the World Health Organization says 1 in 4 people who are contracting Covid-19 are dying.

He added: “Here in the UK, we’ve witnessed great suffering and made unprecedented sacrifices to protect each other and save lives. We have seen too the tireless dedication of staff in our amazing NHS.

“But, imagine living in one of the world’s most fragile states – where there is no NHS – and no other safety nets for the very poorest and most vulnerable. 

“Families who have been forced to flee conflict, drought and floods – living in crowded refugee and displacement camps – with little access to clean water, medical care or enough food – now face a new, deadly and silent threat: Covid-19.” 

It is the first time that the DEC has launched an appeal for a disaster that has simultaneously affected both the UK and internationally. The DEC, which appeals for funds in response to overseas humanitarian crises, will help the most vulnerable people in six fragile states: Yemen and Syria; Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo; and Afghanistan, where a total of 24 million displaced people live in crowded temporary shelter. 

The appeal also includes the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, which are one and a half times the population density of New York City – but with nothing like the equivalent health facilities or sanitation.  

Myles Harrison, Tearfund's International Director, said:
'We are seeing extremely challenging situations. People have fled from danger, fighting, conflict, and are living in camps with poor medical facilities, little access to clean water and not enough food. 

'I think of Ajah in South Sudan. She came to one of our clinics with her son, a three year old, a small child who was severely malnourished. We were able to help re-nourish him, but the family are still living in dire conditions. Having survived violence and hunger, they are now faced with the new threat of COVID-19 and the fear that brings. 

'We want to make sure that people have the right information and resources to protect themselves. At Tearfund, we are supporting our locally based partners and churches to make a meaningful, sustained response to this pandemic. Faith leaders play a vital role in conveying public health messages to communities to prevent its spread and to correct any lies and misinformation about the disease.'

Mark Bulpitt, Head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs at World Vision UK, said:
 
“The coronavirus pandemic is a crisis on a scale we’ve never seen before, having a devastating impact on people living all over the world. But it could be catastrophic for families already living in – or who have been forced to flee – places ripped apart by conflict, violence and hunger. The severity of the outbreak will be amplified in these areas already suffering from a lethal cocktail of disasters.
 
“These families are the most vulnerable. This deadly virus and its impacts could leave millions of children poorer, hungrier, less educated and exposed to abuses like child marriage and sexual exploitation. DEC agencies including World Vision are already on the ground working around the clock, but there is more to be done. We desperately need more money to make sure we can reach all those most in need, before it’s too late.”

Michael Mosselmans, Christian Aid’s Head of Humanitarian, said:
 
“The Covid-19 crisis is taking its toll all over the world, but for people living in particularly poor and fragile countries the dangers are especially real. In places like the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, where Christian Aid is working, it’s extremely difficult to carry out social distancing measures and self-isolation. People there are already dealing with a host of other health problems, with medical services stretched to breaking point.  
 
“People living in countries that have suffered from years of conflict and unrest don’t have the luxury of the NHS and are especially vulnerable.  This crisis is a reminder of how connected humans are and the need for global solidarity for people in the most need.”

The 14 DEC member charities are already present and working in refugee and displacement camps, despite the many challenges presented by the pandemic. But they urgently need more funds to scale up their operations and save lives. 

The BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky will be broadcasting appeals in support of DEC fundraising.   
Every pound donated by the UK public will be matched by the UK government through its Aid Match scheme up to the value of £5 million. This support will double the impact of the public’s own donations and will ensure that charities working on the ground can reach more of the world’s most vulnerable people as they face the coronavirus pandemic.  

To make a donation visit https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/coronavirus-emergency-appeal 
 
Notes to editors 
 
For details contact Joe Ware on jware@christian-aid.org