Wales raises £400k to help poorest fight virus
AN APPEAL to raise funds to fight coronavirus in refugee camps and poor communities in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries has raised more than £15m.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Coronavirus Appeal, involving 14 of Britain’s largest aid charities, aims to help provide food, water and medical care to people in countries such as Syria, Yemen and South Sudan.
It has raised just over £15m since it was launched on July 14, with more than £400,000 of that total being raised in Wales.
In Yemen, Oxfam will be supplying clean water, handwashing facilities and hygiene kits.
In Syria, World Vision will support a dedicated Covid hospital and health facilities with handwashing stations and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Other countries being supported around the world include Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Saleh Saeed, DEC chief executive, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has supported the DEC Coronavirus Appeal so far, together we have raised £15m.
“As ever, people across the country have demonstrated their generosity and compassion.
“Every donation will give vulnerable families living in the world’s most fragile states the help they urgently need to face the silent threat of coronavirus.” The UK Government has pledged a donation of £5m, replicating its first contribution of the same amount last week.
International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “The British people have been incredibly generous and compassionate in donating to this life-saving appeal.
“To double the impact of their kindness, the UK Government will match a further £5m of donations pound-forpound.
“Together our support is protecting millions of people in the developing world from coronavirus, including those escaping conflict. This will in turn help stop future waves of the disease.”
Much of the money from the appeal, backed by celebrities such as singer Annie Lennox, will go to refugee camps where overcrowding and poor sanitation gives the virus greater opportunity to spread.
Among those supporting the appeal is Welsh actor Owen Teale, best known for his role as Ser Alliser Thorne in Game of Thrones.
Calling on people across Wales to contribute, he said: “We already know from its devastating impact here in the UK that coronavirus can spread quickly and take lives. In the world’s most fragile places, families who have been forced to flee their homes by conflict and instability are living in crowded refugee camps with little access to soap, clean water or medical care.
“Already facing chronic ill health due to ongoing hardship and malnutrition, they are exceptionally vulnerable. DEC charities are doing all they can to help families who have lost everything to survive the deadly new threat of Covid-19. I hope the Welsh public will give to the DEC Appeal if they’re able to.”
The Chair of the DEC in Wales, Rachel Cable from Oxfam Cymru, has also urged the people of Wales to back the appeal, despite the continuing health and social concerns here at home.
She said: “We’ve all spent the last four months in fear for our health and our futures.
“Can you imagine what that might be like living in a makeshift shelter without enough food or even clean water to wash your hands?
“That’s what is facing millions of people right now around the world. Please support this appeal with a donation, however big or small, as soon as you can. Wales is a small nation but has a big heart.”
Fourteen DEC member charities, including ActionAid UK and the British Red Cross, are working in refugee and displacement camps.
The appeal will also help those in the world’s largest refugee camp - in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where more than 850,000 Rohingya refugees have sought sanctuary.
Those wishing to donate can do so online at Dec.org.uk, by phone on 0370 6060 900, or by texting SUPPORT to 70150 to donate £10.
We already know from its devastating impact in the UK that coronavirus can spread quickly and take lives