Across the world, the capacity of health systems to deal with the rapid spread of Coronavirus is at breaking point. Afghanistan is no exception and a major outbreak is imminent. The number of cases across the country is surging and the country’s already fragile health system hollowed out by decades of active conflict and humanitarian crisis is already under enormous pressure. In other words, Afghanistan’s worse days are still ahead of it.

As a country that holds a special place in our heart we feel it is our responsibility to do our part in turning the tide before the virus gains a foothold in the most impoverished and deprived communities. Previous responses to epidemics have shown that it is the most neglected communities that end up paying the biggest price. In the context of the corona virus, there is little doubt that the same communities will end up suffering the most.

Here’s how we’re solving this problem:

While our news and social media feeds are flooded with awareness campaigns on hand-washing and social distancing, these messages are still not reaching the most vulnerable communities in rural areas of Afghanistan. Knowledge of proper handwashing and sanitation practices are so low in these areas that field workers report that many communities do not even know what is soap nor are familiar with the practice of proper handwashing. These are the realities on the ground.

Our goal is to provide educational materials and soap for families plus protective gear for health workers that risk their lives confronting this virus every single day. Our campaign targets specific communities in Helmand, Urozgan and Kandahar provinces that remain out of reach of government and international aid assistance. These families are typically at higher risk of contracting the virus due to a myriad of reasons ranging from lack of access to water and sanitation facilities as well as their communal lifestyle and cramped housing conditions. There are very few health facilities and those that exist are ill-equipped to deal with the impending outbreak.

How can you help?

We realise that this a global pandemic with dire consequences in all corners of the world but we still believe that the spirit of humanity and collective response is still intact even when disaster hits far from home. Addressing the magnitude of the crisis requires a collective response. This is why we are launching this appeal.

With your help we can provide communities in Helmand, Urozgan and Kandahar with basic educational materials, hygiene kits and protective gear to better enable them to tackle this crisis and see it through like they have so many other crises.

What we can promise is that we will serve people where very few others can. Each and every penny you donate will go towards responding directly to the needs of these incredibly vulnerable communities. Our local partner on the ground, Humanitarian Relief Foundation, have a proven track record in delivering health services to hard-to-reach areas. In fact, they have already started distributing some of these items and are waiting for the expansion of their interventions to other areas in desperate need of more supplies.

Your donations can make a huge impact:

• A donation of £25 will provide over 93 bars of soap to over 46 families in need

• A donation of £90 will provide over 360 gloves and masks to medical personnel

• A donation of £250 will provide 500 bars of soap to 250 families, and 361 masks and gloves to families and medical personnel

• A donation of £500 will provide 13 protective kits for medical personnel, including body cover, glasses, shoes and gloves

• A donation of £1000 will provide medical centers with 2 digital thermometers, over 1300 pairs of gloves and masks, and 10 protective kits

Afghanistan needs us - now more than ever!

MAGENTA and friends