The UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has extended its Coronavirus Appeal to India as the most vulnerable communities face the devastating consequences of spiralling cases.
The DEC had originally launched the appeal for fragile states in Africa, the Middle East and Asia last July. But with coronavirus infections surging out of control and the health system struggling to cope, it has been extended to help the most marginalised and poorest people in India.
One of the DEC’s 14 member charities delivering vital aid is Oxfam. The Chief Executive of Oxfam India, Amitabh Behar says prices of medicines and oxygen have sky-rocketed, and hospitals and health centres are begging for equipment and treatment. He said:“The country is united in fearful expectation.”
Behar added: "People are literally dying on the streets or in car parks or in their homes. There is no one in India who doesn’t know of friends or family or colleagues who have not had Covid. This is a situation so bad; in my memory it is almost beyond my conception.
"We are living inside a humanitarian disaster now that is everywhere, in our cities and in our villages. India needs the world’s help now.”
DEC charities are working in a number of ways to alleviate the health crisis, providing urgently needed medical equipment, PPE and hospital beds. To donate to the Appeal, go online: dec.org.uk, phone: 0370 60 60 900 or text GIFT to 70150 to donate £10*
*For full terms and conditions, visit www.dec.org.uk. Reg. Charity No. 1062638.