DEC Coronavirus Appeal

Rose Caldwell, Chief Executive of Plan International UK, said:

“Today, Plan International UK is coming together with the 13 other charities of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to launch an urgent appeal to provide lifesaving support to some of the world’s most vulnerable children and their families.  

“The coronavirus pandemic has had devastating consequences for children and families around the world, including here in the UK. Our supporters have already given generously, and we thank you wholeheartedly for doing so.

“But as we move past the peak of the virus here in the UK and start to build towards a new normal, the worst is yet to come for those already affected by crisis and conflict in places such as Somalia, South Sudan and Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh. Many are living in crowded refugee camps where they do not have enough clean running water and soap to protect themselves or basic medical supplies to treat those who fall ill, let alone enough ventilators and specialist equipment. Millions of lives are at stake.

“As our fears are being realised and coronavirus enters these communities, we urgently need your help to stop the spread. Unless we act now, the deadly threat of coronavirus could bring fresh suffering on a huge scale for children and families who have already lost so much.

“Money raised by this DEC Appeal will allow us to scale up our operations in these countries; providing aid workers with equipment and supplies to care for the vulnerable and sick, ensuring families get enough food to prevent malnutrition, and protecting girls from violence and exploitation. We urge you to please give what you can.”

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