Dear John,

As you might be aware the World Health Organization (WHO) has now declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic. Over 100 countries are currently affected.

“To date and based on available evidence, there have been no reports of COVID-19 infections among refugees and asylum seekers. However, the virus can affect anyone and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the global response includes all people,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

UNHCR is committed to preventing and responding to this international health emergency. With enough funds, our preparedness measures will protect refugees, displaced people and their host communities before, during and after this emergency.

But we can’t do this alone, please donate TODAY.

This outbreak is a global challenge that must be addressed through international solidarity and cooperation. Although, refugees are at the same risk of contracting and transmitting the virus as anyone else, they are mainly hosted in low to middle-income countries, which have weaker health, water and sanitation systems.

We need your help to prevent them from being affected too.

Please help today to ensure we are prepared and can do all we can to contain this emergency.

Thank you,

Astrid van Genderen Stort
UNHCR Head of Emergencies and Communications, PSP