Even though our borders are shut, our hearts will never be.
The worst impacts of COVID-19 will be experienced by communities who were already facing poor sanitation, overcrowding and limited access to healthcare. Overcrowding makes social distancing almost impossible. The lack of running water, soap and face masks means that communities cannot contain the spread of the virus.
We've banded together with over 200 other organisations and over twenty thousand Australians to sign the pledge to #End COVID For All.
Vaccinating the world quickly is our best shot at bouncing back stronger and faster.
People in poorer countries are not being vaccinated fast enough. By 2030, the poorest 20 nations will have vaccinated only three in ten people.
This gives the virus more time to spread and mutate, and we believe that Australia has a responsibility to play a leading role in vaccinating the world. With a concerted, realistic global push we can vaccinate nine in ten people in the world by the end of next year.
COVID-19 puts already vulnerable communities at greater risk
Many of our closest neighbours lack the necessary resources to keep their citizens safe. In Indonesia, there are only four doctors and twelve hospital beds for every 10,000 people. In Bangladesh, the 1.3 million Rohingya refugees are facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with the combined threats of poor living conditions and COVID-19.
Each passing day means that more lives are lost in vulnerable communities.
Inmanuel Chayan Biswas from our partner Caritas Bangladesh says that the “love, care, and prayer” demonstrated by Caritas supporters during the COVID-19 crisis has made him feel even more committed to his work on the frontlines of the pandemic in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh.
COVID-19 threatens precious gains in eradicating global poverty
Though the global community has made gains in reducing global poverty, poverty rates will go up for the first time in over 20 years, as the global economy falls into a recession.
The pandemic has the potential to wipe out a decade of development gains and push 150 million more people into extreme poverty.
Reduced access to food could even cause an additional 1.15 million child deaths on top of COVID-19 deaths.
We will continue to support our partners during their greatest challenge yet.
Here’s how we think the government can help #EndCOVIDForAll
Protect the world’s most vulnerable
Increase Australia’s overall aid commitment in response to the impact of the pandemic on global poverty and development.
Support COVID-19 recovery
Commit to contributing to the long-term COVID-19 recovery in our region and around the world.
Support the COVAX program
The COVAX program is the only global initiative ensuring equitable access to COVID vaccines for all countries.