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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

Morocco earthquake survivors in need of shelter
© Bulent Kilic / AFP
Emergency Health Rehabilitation

Morocco earthquake survivors in need of shelter

Almost a week after the earthquake, the figures are alarming: more than 380,000 people have been affected by the disaster, including thousands who are homeless.

4 things you should know about... Bamboo
© Philippe Merchez / Handicap International
Emergency Explosive weapons Health Rehabilitation Rights

4 things you should know about... Bamboo

Bamboo grows naturally in about twenty of the countries in which HI works. A historic symbol of our operations, bamboo is regularly used by our teams, particularly in Asia.

Saly is mobilising for people’s rights
© A. Faye / HI
Health Prevention

Saly is mobilising for people’s rights

Saly is 22 years old and lives in the Kolda region of Senegal. She is a peer educator working to raise the awareness of young people to sexual health and disability issues.