Snapshots from around the world: Our early COVID-19 response

DRC community members in line for Coronavirus services.

30 March 2020 • UPDATED 12 May 2020

The world is facing a rapidly evolving pandemic.

COVID-19 has spread to more than 198 countries and is now reaching communities most vulnerable to the health and economic impacts of its spread. People fleeing conflict, living in poverty or without access to healthcare face the greatest risk.

From Craig Redmond, our Senior Vice President of Programmes: “In many areas not yet informed through radio, television or the internet, Mercy Corps teams are the first to reach communities with critical health and safety information.”

COVID-19’s impact where we work

Map of the countries, affected by covid-19, that mercy corps works in. — Mercy Corps works in more than 40 countries around the world on the frontlines of today’s biggest crises. As the virus continues to spread globally, it is now reaching countries most vulnerable to the health and economic impacts of its spread. (Information updated March 27, 2020)

Working in more than 40 countries around the world on the frontlines of today’s biggest crises, we are already on the ground where help is most needed. We’re providing information and resources for safe handwashing and adapting programmes so life-saving support can continue in the face of this new challenge.

Take a look at what our early response to COVID-19 looks like around the world:

In Syria, the spread of coronavirus brings the prospect of a deadly outbreak to a population with tightly-packed camps. Our teams are sharing information about COVID-19 and hand washing best practices with people who have been forced to flee their homes.

To keep newly displaced families safe and healthy, our teams in Syria are distributing hygiene and kitchen kits.

Never underestimate the power of information. In Pakistan, our teams are posting public awareness messages on COVID-19 on rickshaw vehicles.

The need for life-saving support doesn’t stop in the face of a virus. In DRC, our teams are continuing emergency cash distributions for families while practicing the best mitigation measures for COVID-19.

Before COVID-19, vulnerable communities in Mali already faced significant challenges of food insecurity. Our teams are continuing to safely support the needs of the community, taking preventative measures while distributing emergency food vouchers and other critical items like hygiene kits.

The importance and urgent need for your support has never been greater. Help ensure the ongoing delivery of our life-saving programmes and reduce the health, economic and psycho-social effects of the crisis on the most vulnerable.

COVID-19: Help protect vulnerable communities

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