Responding to Covid-19: updates from around the world

As the number of cases of Covid-19 have started to rapidly rise in the world’s poorest places, CBM and our partners are ensuring that people with disabilities are included in relief efforts and that no-one is left behind.

Here are some of the latest activities we’re carrying out in Africa and Asia:

In Tanzania, we’ve started an inclusive awareness campaign. Our partner Tanzania’s Federation of Disabled People’s organisations (SHIVYAWATA) (open link in new tab) has been speaking out on national radio about how to include people living with disabilities in the response to Covid-19.’

Above: 10 year old Hussein is being fitting a new prosthesis at our partner hospital in Tanzania.

In Nepal, we’re working with Disabled People’s Organisations to ensure the government are including people living with disabilities in their Covid-19 response. We’re also providing online counselling to ensure inclusive mental health and psychosocial services are available.

Above: Deu Kumar has a physical disability due to polio – she’s had sewing training with CBM’s partner in Nepal and now runs her own business.

In Rwanda, we’re supporting people living with disabilities to be financially independent, despite Covid-19 restrictions. As part of the Village Savings and Loan Associations we’ve set up, business mentors are still keeping in touch with group members, through regular phone calls, to provide support and advice for people borrowing loans and setting up their own businesses.

Above: Olive has joined one of the Village Savings and Loan Associations set up by CBM in Rwanda.

In Nigeria, we’re working with disabled people’s organisations and media organisations to provide sign-language interpretation for vital health messages and updates, so people with hearing impairment can keep themselves safe during this coronavirus crisis.

Above: Lemma from Ethiopia narrates his story in sign language.

In Bangladesh, our existing health programmes are adapting to deliver disability-inclusive materials with life-saving health advice and information and to ensure health workers have the protective equipment they need.

Above: Roman Hossain (32 years old, a person with a physical disability since birth and member of a Disaster Management Committee trained by CBM partner CDD) is providing hand sanitizer to a local seller in Bangladesh.

In the Philippines, CBM is providing emergency aid to vulnerable communities, including people living with disabilities and their families – supplying food parcels, cleaning supplies, clean water and medicines.

Above: Rhoman (pictured in his wheelchair) has received emergency aid from CBM and decided to join the disaster relief team to help get relief parcels to other people in his community in the Philippines.

In Uganda, we’re providing PPE and sanitization equipment to Hospital staff at partner CoRSU so orthopaedic operations can continue. 9-year-old Given was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis – a bone infection which makes it hard for him to walk and is extremely painful. Thanks to the protective measure in place, Given was able to have his first operation.

Above: 9 year old Given is being treated for a bone disease at our partner hospital in Uganda – he and his mother receive information about how to protect themselves from Covid-19 by the doctors and nurses.

You can support our Coronavirus emergency appeal and like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date on how CBM is responding to the Coronavirus pandemic.