Working with media and corporate partners is central to how the DEC runs appeals and maximises funds raised for people affected by disasters.

Coronavirus cases have spiked in Yemen in the last month as displaced communities struggle to cope with the impact of the pandemic, ongoing conflict and a hunger crisis that is putting millions at risk. Only 1% of the population is vaccinated against Covid-19, access to healthcare is poor and families cannot afford to buy food. Donations to the DEC Coronavirus Appeal are providing the most vulnerable people with lifesaving aid.

Since July 2020, donations to the DEC’s Coronavirus Appeal have helped protect some of Syria’s most vulnerable communities from coronavirus by providing clean water, hygiene kits and supporting healthcare but poor facilities in camps and the growing hunger crisis are still putting lives at risk as the virus continues to circulate.

With £14 million raised after the DEC extended our Coronavirus Appeal to include India, DEC charities have scaled up their work, but warn that there is more to do.

Donations to our appeal are now funding work in Afghanistan, DR Congo, India, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen and the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Indian aid workers tell of “extremely challenging” situation in responding to the wave of coronavirus infections.

DEC charities long-standing presence in India means that they have licences and bank accounts required by law that are reportedly causing problems for some NGOs.

Rates of coronavirus in rural areas are thought to be three times higher than reported, with a lack of doctors and health facilities a major concern.