Goto main content

EN | FR

Coronavirus:
protecting the most vulnerable

Global situation

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading to countries already affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters. There are now hundreds of thousands of confirmed cases in some 175 countries and territories around the world.

The epidemic will have a dramatic impact on people living in countries where health facilities have already been undermined by conflict or extreme poverty. The virus could spread rapidly in countries with overcrowded refugee camps like Kenya, Bangladesh and Lebanon, where the death toll is likely to be very high.

Impact on HI's missions

Ninety-four percent of the 55 countries where the organisation works are affected.

It is vital to prevent the unchecked spread of the pandemic in Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Although only a small number of cases have been reported in many of these countries, now is the time for action. This is why our teams are working with beneficiaries where still possible to adapt their response, reduce the spread of the virus and protect people to the best of their abilities.

Wherever possible, Humanity & lnclusion’s teams are making changes to the way they work to slow the spread of the pandemic in the field. They are reviewing their current response and implementing new projects to protect people from the virus and deal with the impact of the crisis, with a focus on people with disabilities, children, women, and isolated and older people.

You can help

Covid-19 in the world

44

Number of affected countries where HI works

233

Number of HI projects in response (partial or complete) to Covid-19

CHANGE
A LIFE

To go further

In the DRC, HI supports access to health services for children and their parents
© N. Lagrisi Lusilawo / HI
Health Rehabilitation

In the DRC, HI supports access to health services for children and their parents

Family support is key to the rehabilitation process, as shown by the story of Elisabeth, who is learning to walk with her mother's help.

DRC: Joyce and Jessy, twins learning to talk, laugh and play
© N. Lagrisi Lusilawo / HI
Health Rehabilitation

DRC: Joyce and Jessy, twins learning to talk, laugh and play

Joyce and Jessy both have cerebral palsy. Thanks to the care provided by HI, they are making great progress towards greater independence.

Hazrat wants to get back on his feet quickly to return to playing football
© D. Gordon / HI
Emergency Health Rehabilitation

Hazrat wants to get back on his feet quickly to return to playing football

To improve access to healthcare after the earthquake in Afghanistan, HI deployed its emergency response teams with the support of the European Union as patients were flooding into Jalalabad hospital.