The COVID-19 virus is spreading across the world. In refugee camps in Burkina Faso, Sudan or Syria, the 1.5-meter society is an illusion. However, good information and access to clean water and soap are a good start. That is why Dutch aid organizations, united in the Dutch Relief Alliance, are going to invest extra in this. 

The countries where aid is provided are Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Yemen, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Many people in these countries live in poor conditions where access to water is not self-evident. Also, health care in these countries is not sufficient.

Aid

The aid is part of a broader emergency package from Minister Kaag of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation aimed at combating the further spread of COVID-19. With 10 million euros from the COVID-19 emergency package, the Dutch Relief Alliance can install additional water points, distribute hygiene kits with soap and work on information about the virus: via radio, telephone and internet. We will also distribute cash and vouchers so that people can get food and we will provide psychosocial support.

Local partner organizations

The Dutch Relief Alliance integrates the COVID-19 actions into current programs and works closely with local partner organizations. The use of existing logistics and partnerships makes aid more effective, especially now that there are travel restrictions for aid workers. In this way, the aid can be scaled up quickly.