Medair is serving people in some of the most vulnerable places in the world. People who have survived war, displacement or natural disasters are now at risk for coronavirus.
In all of our 12 country programmes we are in need of personal protective equipment for our staff. We are providing hygiene items (soap, hand sanitizer, buckets) for people who have mild symptoms or who are at high risk for COVID-19. In health clinics we are preparing for high numbers of people showing mild and moderate symptoms, and are needing additional monitors, patient beds, and sterilizing equipment among other supplies.
COVID-19 first identified in Wuhan, China
Medair alerts field teams about COVID-19 and begins training health staff and volunteers
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in a Medair country programme is registered in Lebanon
WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic
Press Release: Medair steps up preparedness and prevention measures
Medair’s Global Support Office in Lausanne begins working from home
Medair works with UNHCR on an isolation room pilot in informal settlements
Medair delivers additional personal protective equipment in Social Development Centres
Coronavirus is detected in Bangladesh refugee camp
Coping with COVID-19 in Lebanon
How is Medair Responding
In the countries where we operate, COVID-19 is adding pressure on health systems already struggling and inadequately equipped to deal with this pandemic. The World Health Organisation predicts that cases will continue to rapidly increase in the coming months. Medair has prepared health facilities, trained staff and is teaching communities about prevention and our response to COVID-19, all while we continue our existing emergency programmes.
Our COVID-19 response is focused on:
Training and equipping of staff
We train our front-line health workers to identify suspected cases, safely isolate and temporarily care for patients until they can be referred for further treatment and potential testing. Heath staff and volunteers receive necessary protective equipment including appropriate masks, gloves and disinfectant.
Supplies and equipment in health centres
Health care facilities are being further equipped to accommodate people showing symptoms of the virus including setting up triage rooms, referrals to isolation centres and the management of patients.
Distribution of essential hygiene supplies
Medair is distributing soap and providing access to clean water, including installing hand-washing stations in high-density refugee camps and informal settlements to improve hygiene.
Prevention and educational activities
Medair is conducting hygiene awareness campaigns among at-risk people. Community health workers and volunteers are providing critical and clear information regarding prevention, and encouraging people showing symptoms to seek care early.
We are very grateful for your support. You can help by:
- praying for affected communities and Medair on the ground
- raising awareness with your family, friends and community about the major impact Covid-19 is having in Medair’s countries of operation
- making a donation; your gift will provide life-saving emergency support in some of the world’s most vulnerable places
Please come alongside us in serving the most vulnerable who are currently threatened by this virus.