Folks,
As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic is a global emergency. We are holding you and your family, as well as those you help us to serve worldwide in our thoughts.

I am reaching out today to reassure you that the IRC is committed to continuing our work helping people in crisis in these deeply challenging times. But as the coronavirus spreads rapidly across international borders, refugees and displaced communities are at elevated risk. We need to do everything we can to help them.

Please, can you make an urgent donation today? Your gift can help us to reach vulnerable people impacted by coronavirus and to keep our programs worldwide strong in these unprecedented circumstances. »

The International Rescue Committee has launched coronavirus preparedness and response programs in over 40 countries, including the US, Greece, Italy, Syria and Yemen. Our health teams are working around the clock to rapidly detect, respond and prevent further spread of the disease.

Here are some of the measures the IRC is taking in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

First, IRC is ensuring that all staff have the knowledge and supplies needed to work safely, and the organization has the right policies and safeguards in place to support staff and mitigate risk for staff and the clients we serve.

Second, IRC is taking measures to ensure our work can continue to reach those in need safely. All IRC country programs are following response and mitigation plans to ensure we can keep life-saving activities running safely even in the face of local transmission of coronavirus.

Our offices serving refugees, asylum seekers and local communities are strictly following local public health guidance, with even more intensive guidance for the harder-hit communities we serve, such as in Seattle and Italy.

Third, the IRC is scaling our response globally to mitigate the spread of the disease within communities where we work.

Yes, I'll donate today to help the IRC rise to the challenge of COVID-19 and help to keep those most in need around the world safe.»

We are also concerned about yet-to-be affected countries like Syria, where the IRC operates and needs support to strengthen our capacity. We need to assist aid workers as they rapidly detect, respond and prevent further transmission of the disease.

Our teams on the ground need investment in:

Strong surveillance to detect the disease.

Efficient infection prevention and control at health clinics and gathering points.

An increase in protective gear, medical supplies and drugs.
Training of health workers to be able to identify, isolate and treat symptoms.

Strong risk communication and community engagement to ensure communities have the knowledge and resources to protect themselves and prevent the transmission of the virus.

Please make an immediate donation to support our work, and help us contain the coronavirus outbreak. Your gift will help us provide urgent aid to refugees and vulnerable families in coronavirus-affected areas and support our work in more than 40 countries worldwide.

We hope you are taking care of yourselves and seeking support from your partners and communities. Working together, we will get through the next few weeks and months.

With care and respect,

Emily Martin
The International Rescue Committee


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