Appeal to help communities across world fight Covid-19

LEADING Welsh aid charities have announced a joint fundraising appeal to help the world’s most vulnerable communities threatened by the global spread of Covid-19.

As lockdown measures slowly lift here in Wales, elsewhere refugees and families who have fled violence and hunger need our help.

In the worst affected countries like Yemen, Syria, and Somalia, many people are living in crowded refugee and displacement camps with little access to medical care, clean water or enough food, making them extremely vulnerable to coronavirus.

In these places, the virus is likely to be even more deadly than it has been here.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford has urged the people of Wales to join the appeal in a video message. He said: “In Wales, we have come together and made sacrifices to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect our NHS.

“All over the world, communities – just like our own – are facing the onslaught of coronavirus, but in much worse situations. Some are ravaged by war, many are in refugee camps where social distancing is not possible. None have the safety of the NHS.

“Let’s use our rich Welsh history of solidarity to support our neighbours overseas and give them the best opportunity to deal with coronavirus.”

There have been more than 12.5 million cases of coronavirus worldwide. But, as we have seen in Wales, simple measures can make a difference.

The appeal is being matched by the UK Government through the Department of International Development’s Aid Match scheme.

Donate to the DEC Emergency Appeal at: www.dec.org.uk, via text: Text HELPU to 70150 to donate £10; or on 0370 60 60 900.