Jason Emmett & Francine O’Hanlon
RESPONDING TO COVID-19 Read how The Salvation Army is responding to COVID-19 around the world
The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on 11 March 2020 that the COVID-19 outbreak had officially become a global pandemic. Around the world we have seen governments respond to the pandemic using measures never seen before, certainly not on such a huge scale. The immediate focus for governments has been to try and stem the spread of the virus, save lives, and protect the economy. It has been well reported in the media that countries which are more economically developed, such as the UK and USA, have struggled to control the outbreak and face massive economic implications due to the long periods of ‘lockdown’. However, at the time of writing, in the UK six months on from the start of the pandemic we are told the all-important ‘R’ number appears under control for now, and we are being actively encouraged to get back to some sort of normality in our day-to-day lives.
systems – communities with inadequate sanitation and access to clean water, and communities where overcrowding in homes amongst the economically marginalised is normal. Whilst the reported infection rate is currently not as dramatic in these places as had been initially feared, there is no doubt these statistics do not come close to offering a true picture of the impact of COVID-19. The Salvation Army International Emergency Services have been working tirelessly to help local people prepare for and fight the pandemic in communities around the world. The strategic focus has taken a two-pronged approach. At the forefront there have been humanitarian aid programmes aimed at those struggling to access food and clean water, those facing significant economic impact, and the provision of personal protective equipment and sanitation alongside information on staying safe during COVID-19 in the poorest communities. The second focus is supporting our Salvation Army institutions such as corps (churches), schools, health facilities and hospitals through Mission Support projects.
This, however, is very different in other parts of the world. It stands to reason that the health, social and economic impact will be felt acutely by those in communities with little or no formal healthcare
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