World Vision welcomes the UN’s COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response plan, launched today.
The UN is calling for US $2 billion (AUS $3.3 billion) for a global response and has highlighted the devastating impact a coronavirus outbreak could have in countries already struggling with humanitarian crises.
World Vision is urging global leaders to back the UN’s plan and support aid groups that have field workers on the ground in vulnerable areas. The organisation’s experts warn the outbreak could cripple children’s education, and result in increased hunger, poverty and violence.
Isabel Gomes, World Vision’s Global Director of Humanitarian Operations, says:
“Coronavirus is having a devastating impact on people living all over the world, but it could be catastrophic for families living in war-torn and poverty-stricken countries. Those living in places with poor medical facilities, and where children are already at risk of things like malnutrition and exploitation, will pay the highest price in this crisis.
“We, along with other global agencies, were glad to contribute to the design of the UN’s response plan, and will continue working alongside its agencies and others to meet the needs of the most vulnerable to this catastrophe.”
The international children’s charity is working alongside the UN and governments to combat the coronavirus outbreak around the world. It is prioritising interventions in 17 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, and aims to reach 11 million people, over half of them children.
The 17 countries are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, mainland China, Mongolia, Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, Syria, and Thailand.
The charity’s frontline workers are promoting preventative measures like hand washing, supporting health systems and workers, and providing support to children with increased vulnerability as a result of the virus.
“Coronavirus threatens to devastate families living in the world’s hardest places. We urge world leaders to ensure that they are supporting countries which are at risk of collapsing if left to cope alone,” Gomes says.
“And make no mistake – coronavirus threatens mental as well as physical health. Response plans must include psychosocial support for children, and strengthen protection systems which keep them safe.
“This is crucial if we are to mitigate a catastrophe for children and their families.”
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