COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm even well-resourced health systems. Imagine the effect of this devastating virus on a hospital already struggling to provide basic safe care with limited resources. Chira Fund is a Malawian charity which supports Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. Chira Fund do amazing work in providing guardians for patients without family. They also help to improve hospital sanitation and facilities to keep everyone safe. With COVID-19 cases expected to rise in Malawi any day, there is an urgent need to support Chira Fund in their work to keep patients, guardians and staff safe.

We know that COVID-19 is most dangerous for older people and those with chronic health problems. As a children's charity, we are conscious that many children in Malawi have already lost parents to HIV and other illnesses, and are often looked after by their grandmothers or older relatives. The loss of these key carers could be devastating to children who have lost so much already.

Please help us guard the guardians from COVID-19. Urgent local priorities include establishing safe sanitation, providing extra soap and hand washing stations, and rebuilding essential security walls. £5 would help buy soap and basic food. £50 could keep taps running with clean water for 3 weeks.

In this time of global need, please help us help the most vulnerable. All funds raised in this appeal will go directly to Chira Fund to support them in their life-saving work.