Islamic Relief scales up international response as coronavirus spreads

With the number of coronavirus cases increasing exponentially throughout the world – now exceeding 750,000 – Islamic Relief (IR) has launched a global emergency response to the pandemic.

There are now very few areas of the globe untouched by the perilous virus.

“The level of infection and death caused by COVID-19 is at varying stages in different regions of the world. We are working hard to provide preparation and response operations tailored to the challenges being experienced by different communities.”

Islamic Relief’s history and expertise in working across a wide range of humanitarian contexts, building relationships with the communities means it can operate in challenging places – including parts of the world that other organisations cannot access.

Islamic Relief is strongly placed to support vulnerable communities, reducing their risk of contracting coronavirus and helping them deal with the effects of the outbreak.

IR response focuses on:

• Working with communities to promote good hygiene practices and equip them with the information they need to halt the spread of the virus;
• Supporting and strengthening healthcare services;
• Making sure the long-term impacts of the crisis are addressed from the outset.

The organization is distributing hygiene items, masks, gloves and medical equipment to healthcare workers. It is also providing particularly vulnerable families with immediate financial support through emergency food security interventions and cash transfers.

Islamic Relief aims to respond in every country in which it has a field office or long-term partner office.

In Afghanistan, IR is working closely with the Department of Public Health to support the health infrastructure in Herat, which borders Iran. It is providing personal protective equipment, supporting referrals for serious cases, and equipping communities with urgently needed information about the virus.

In Pakistan, Islamic Relief is finalising an agreement to support national authorities with personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks and other medical equipment in the coming days.

The Islamic Relief Syria team has already started COVID-19 response activities using hygiene items.

Islamic Relief Yemen have given meals and hygiene kits to 269 people who were taken to quarantine centres in Dhammar.

Original source: Islamic Relief
Published on 31 March 2020