May
Nepal’s health system is now at breaking point as the country is gripped by one of the highest Covid-19 infection rates in the world. Nearly half of the population have tested positive for coronavirus and over 4,000 people have died. There are no beds left in hospitals, and oxygen and other vital medical supplies are running out. Islamic Relief is responding in Rautahat, with food vouchers assisting more than 1,700 vulnerable families. In the weeks ahead we will give food aid to another 2,000 people who are unable to work, and we will provide healthcare facilities with lifesaving medical equipment and supplies.
DISASTER
An 11-day escalation in conflict causes devastation in Gaza once more. Rockets destroy 300 buildings, including homes and hospitals
IMPACT
More than 250 people – including 66 children – are killed and nearly 2,000 others are injured. Unlike previous escalations, this time the whole of the Gaza Strip is crippled, making it difficult and extremely dangerous to respond immediately to the emergency. It also worsens the Covid-19 crisis, making social distancing harder for displaced families, preventing testing and delaying the arrival of vaccines.
RESPONSE
Islamic Relief provides food vouchers, bedding and medical aid to those affected but border closures and roads blocked by rubble complicate relief efforts. It is immediately clear that the scale of the damage will require a long-term response. We begin repairing damaged homes, schools and healthcare facilities, as well as supplying equipment to help them run smoothly. We plan to support the repair of Gaza’s damaged water systems, while supporting children with counselling.
