CBM launches Coronavirus Emergency Appeal

Today CBM is launching an emergency appeal to help protect the most vulnerable people during the Coronavirus crisis.

Increasing numbers of Coronavirus cases are being reported in the world’s poorest places, where the impact could be devastating. In countries such as Rwanda, the impact is already being felt heavily by all. Dr. Sylvain el-Khouri from CBM partner Kabgayi Eye Unit highlighted the need to take immediate action to prevent the spread of the disease:

“I very much hope that the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa can contain the disease as a spreading here would be catastrophic…if Coronavirus expands in low-income countries on the African continent, the damage to societies and the number of deaths may be dramatic.”

At time of crisis, people with disabilities are at greatest risk for a number of different reasons. In the current situation, they may not hear about the best ways to protect themselves or be able to reach help should they become infected with the virus. They may struggle to access essentials to keep themselves safe, like clean water and soap, and be unable to afford to stock up on food to cope with lock-down restrictions.

 “We’re doing everything we can to respond to the coronavirus pandemic as effectively and quickly as possible – the prayers and generosity of our supporters are needed now more than ever”, said Kirsty Smith, Chief Executive of CBM UK.

“We’re working urgently with our Country Offices and local partners in Africa and Asia to help them prepare and protect their staff, people with disabilities and their families. We’re also looking at how we can adapt our current healthcare and community projects & partners to support COVID responses and seeking to provide vital technical expertise so that people with disabilities can access help within our own programmes and those delivered by other development organisations.

With your support, we’ve stood by our partners in times of crisis before, like the Ebola outbreak of 2015, to ensure they can protect the most vulnerable – and we’re ready to do it again.”

CBM is appealing for funds to help support the world’s most vulnerable people during the Coronavirus by:

• Ensuring that vital health messages about how to stay safe are accessible to all, including people with disabilities.
• Ensuring that people with disabilities are not forgotten – that they can still access food and vital supplies during times of lockdown.
• Protecting health and community outreach workers at our partner hospitals by ensuring they can access face masks, soap and hand sanitiser.
• Supporting people’s mental health and well-being through this time of crisis.

To support our Coronavirus appeal

• Give online now (open link in new tab)
• Call our phone team on 0800 567 7000

Image: Fieldworkers at CBM partner PROMHANDICAM, Cameroon, cross their hands to form an X. This symbolises fighting Coronavirus by following World Health Organisation (WHO) hygiene recommendations. PROMHANDICAM’s services to support people with disabilities have had to be scaled back, with all but the most urgent interventions cancelled.