Our Covid-19 response
How is ActionAid responding?
ActionAid is on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.
It’s more important than ever that we support those who are most vulnerable.
ActionAid stands in solidarity with all those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognise the difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic presents to our supporters and people everywhere, especially those already vulnerable or marginalised.
We’re running emergency food distributions in countries where millions of families have no way of earning income.
We’re distributing public health information to raise awareness about Covid-19, along with infection prevention kits containing masks, hand sanitiser and soap.
And we’re putting women at the heart of our response: from Italy to Nepal, Liberia to Kenya, ActionAid-supported women’s groups are empowered to lead our response, because local women know their communities better than anyone.
We know the fuller impact of Covid-19 will soon be felt in African countries, who are without many of the health services and social protection governmental supports we are depending on so much right now. The impact on them will be devastating and ActionAid is mobilised across the world to help offset that devastation.
Building on the deep roots we have in communities who will be affected by this crisis, and the experience and lessons from our response to the Ebola crisis in West Africa, we will be working over the months ahead to lessen the spread and reduce the impact of the disease.
What will be the impact on women and children?
When a crisis hits, it is women and children living in poverty who suffer the most. They will also be at the forefront of fighting this crisis.
Two-thirds of health sector jobs globally are held by women. Usually in precarious work conditions, like front line nurses and carers. First to be laid off, now first to battle COVID-19 – either underpaid at work or unpaid at home.
In developing countries more than two thirds women work in the informal economy, without sick leave and unemployment benefits. If they don’t work, they and their families don’t eat.
School closure means women are caring for children at home. Mothers are prevented from working, or responsibility falls to grandmothers, already a high-risk group.
Most domestic workers are migrant and undocumented women, without sick leave, unemployment benefits or access to health services. Yet they are at the front lines of providing care to families worldwide.
Girls are often responsible for walking increasingly long distances to collect any water available. Worldwide, 780 million people don’t have access to clean water.
Without their basic needs met, they won’t be able to protect themselves or their communities from coronavirus.
Can I still contact you if your teams are working from home?
Absolutely – we love to hear from our supporters. You can call us on (01) 878 7911 (between 9:00-17:00, Monday to Friday) and by email anytime at info@actionaid.ie . We would not be able to continue without your ongoing support and for that, we are truly grateful.
