In India, a second wave of coronavirus is having a devastating impact. India has a population of 1.3 billion, and an official tally of 17.31 million infections and 195,123 deaths. As of Monday 26 April India recorded a new global high for the fifth day running, with more than 350,000 new cases in just 24 hours, according to Reuters. With hospitals overrun and oxygen supplies falling short of demand, thousands are not able to receive potentially life-saving treatment.

Several cities have also imposed lockdowns and curfews, which have a knock-on effect for people’s livelihoods, with the poorest communities being hit hardest. 

The DEC is deeply concerned about the tragic situation in India and our thoughts are with the people affected and their family and friends.

Update on 29 April: As of Wed 28 April we are extending the DEC Coronavirus Appeal to include India. The appeal, which was launched in July 2020, has been helping the poorest communities in a number of countries tackle the coronavirus pandemic, and we are now expanding our fundraising appeal to be able help the most vulnerable communities in India as they face an overwhelming surge of the virus.

Please donate now to help the most vulnerable communities in India as they face a devastating coronavirus surge.

What are DEC member charities doing to help in India?

The Indian Red Cross is organising a wide scale response across a number of areas, including providing fully equipped ambulances and isolation centres and distributing hygiene kits to help contain the spread of the virus. They are also working to provide up to date risk and health awareness information to dispel misinformation and educate people on how to protect themselves. 

ActionAid will be distributing thousands of safety and sanitation kits, including protective items for communities to use in sanitation work, burials, and other essential activities, and will be arranging testing and vaccination camps and distributing health information. They will helping people with direct cash transfers to meet immediate health and food needs.

Oxfam India are distributing and installing medical equipment at hospitals and health centres, along with PPE for frontline and health workers. They are also reaching poor and isolated communities with food assistance, livelihood training and cash grants to help people through the financial impact of the virus. 

Save the Children is continuing its work across India in response to coronavirus, distributing ration kits, food items, hygiene kits and learning kits along with awareness drives and psychosocial support.

A donation from you could help the most vulnerable communities in India as they face a life-or-death situation.