Coronavirus reaching the most vulnerable
Coronavirus: reaching the most vulnerable
How our staff are supporting children and their communities most at risk
Since we launched our Coronavirus: Children’s Emergency Appeal we’ve been overwhelmed by your response.
Despite the incredibly difficult circumstances everyone is facing right now, the donations and messages of support we’ve received have made a huge difference and will enable our response to the crisis to continue.
Sadly, we know this is only the beginning, as Coronavirus begins to take hold in the world’s most vulnerable communities. As the pandemic unfolds, the safety and wellbeing of the communities we work in and our colleagues remains our priority.
Right now, our staff and partners are working to reach children and their families who are most vulnerable to the virus – including those living in crowded refugee camps – delivering essential supplies and raising awareness in communities. And with the situation changing rapidly, we’ll keep working with our colleagues globally to do all we can to keep children safe and healthy.
Delivering essential supplies
In Guinea, news of Coronavirus has brought back memories of the Ebola outbreak for 31-year-old Rosaline.
"Since we learned of the presence of this virus in our country all the households have resumed the practices at the time of Ebola,” she says. “My children ask all visitors to wash their hands with soap before entering our yard.”
Plan International Guinea have launched a response to the Coronavirus outbreak, distributing handwashing kits containing bowls, buckets and soap to public buildings.
Supporting refugees to stay safe
In Jordan, Plan International sites in the Azraq refugee camp have had to close due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but we’re continuing to support members of the community as they practice social distancing to help combat the spread of the virus.
Our volunteers in the camp have also been handing out sanitiser handcraft kits, which contain the materials to make face masks and other protective equipment, with training provided via group calls.
Raising awareness with communities
In Ghana and Honduras, Plan International staff have been running awareness raising sessions, providing communities with the information they need to protect themselves and prevent an outbreak of the virus.
Through the sessions, staff can share details about the virus, associated health hazards and the precautionary measures needed to avoid transmission.
In Honduras, where sessions were run before restrictions were placed on movement, leaflets were printed in the local language and distributed to community members with an emphasis on health and hygiene.
Supporting sponsorship communities
In Indonesia, our colleagues have distributed hygiene kits to over 1,400 sponsored children. Our Emergency Response Team have also been teaching community members proper handwashing techniques, to make sure families are aware of the virus and how they can protect themselves.
Around the world, we’re working closely with our staff in sponsorship communities to ensure they have everything they need to help children stay safe. If you’re already a sponsor, you can find out more in our Coronavirus FAQs for sponsors >
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