Here in the UK we’ve all had to make sacrifices to protect each other and save lives during the coronavirus pandemic, and witnessed the incredible dedication of our amazing NHS staff.
But as we struggle with the virus at home, people around the world need our help – families who have fled violence, conflict and hunger in countries where there is no NHS if they fall ill.
Many are now living in crowded refugee and displacement camps with little access to medical care, clean water or enough food, making them extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. In these places, the virus is likely to be even more deadly than it has been here.
Imagine having to leave everything behind to keep your family safe, only to face a deadly new threat: Covid-19. This is the reality for people living in tents and makeshift shelters without running water or soap in places like Syria, Yemen and Somalia.
But, as we have seen in the UK, simple measures can make a huge difference. If we act now to protect millions of vulnerable refugees and displaced people, many lives can be saved.
The DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) Coronavirus Appeal has raised £27 million since its launch on 14 July and DEC charities are now starting to use these funds to help people in the world’s most fragile states protect themselves against Coronavirus.