This month we're focusing on bringing you inside the IRC's response to COVID-19, from a roundup of IRC experts to inspiring stories from our work on the ground.

IRC monthly update APRIL 2020

Behind this month's headlines Meet a nurse practitioner—and refugee—fighting COVID-19 Go inside our coronavirus response in the world’s largest refugee camp Find out how you can help refugees in the U.S. during the pandemic

Meet a nurse practitioner—and refugee—fighting COVID-19 When Torbertha Torbor was ten years old, her older sister got very sick. Her family lived in a refugee camp in Ivory Coast after fleeing war in their native Liberia, and health care was hard to access. Torbertha had seen many people in the camp die from easily preventable and treatable diseases, including her two-year-old brother. But unlike so many others, Torbertha’s sister survived. She recovered because a nurse practitioner gave her the help she needed. Torbertha remembers thinking, “Wow, that is amazing. That’s what I want to do when I grow up.” With the help of the IRC, Torbertha and her family eventually resettled in the United States. They live in Oakland, California where Torbertha has achieved her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. Today, she is one of the thousands of refugees and immigrants on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. “People are panicking and a lot are asking to get tested,” Torbertha told the IRC about her work right now. She works in clinics that serve mostly low-income and homeless patients, populations she was eager to support after her own family’s struggles. “I’ve always wanted to work with people who are more vulnerable,” she said. “These are people who need medical care but can’t afford it.” Read our interview with Torbertha about her work during the pandemic, her journey to the United States, and what gives her hope even during this unprecedented time. The IRC needs significant funds for our emergency response and to maintain our life-saving programs intact during the coronavirus pandemic. You can donate to support our work here.

Rescue in action   Why the IRC is saying we risk 3.2 million deaths Earlier this week, the IRC released a new analysis showing that—unless swift action is taken—we risk up to 1 billion infections and 3.2 million deaths in 34 of the conflict-affected and fragile countries where we work. Find out how we got to those sobering numbers and what needs to be done to prevent the worst. How you can support refugees in the U.S. during COVID-19 The IRC’s offices across the U.S. have moved almost entirely to remote work. As we keep our staff and clients safe, we remain unwavering in our commitment to serving and supporting refugees—and you can help. From sewing masks to virtual tutoring, find out how you can support refugees in the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic. Bracing for COVID-19 in the world’s largest refugee camp “We are maintaining hygiene as we’ve been told and are trying to stay home,” a patient at the IRC’s health clinic in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh said. “But still we are afraid.” Cox’s Bazar hosts more than 1 million displaced Rohingya from neighboring Myanmar in the world’s largest refugee camp. Go inside our work in the camp as our teams brace for the impact of COVID-19. Your COVID-19 questions answered What is a pandemic? How long will it last? Are border closures effective? The IRC’s senior technical advisor for emergency health, Dr. Stacey Mearns, answers your questions about the coronavirus, how it impacts refugees, and what the IRC is doing on the ground. The IRC is nominated for a “best of the internet” award In June of 2019, the IRC launched our “Dear Refugees” campaign to show that when refugees are welcomed, their contributions shape the world for the better. That impactful campaign has now been nominated for a Webby, an award honoring the “best of the internet.” The Webbys include a “People’s Voice” component voted on by the public; you can help us out by voting for “Dear Refugees” here. Stepping up to support refugees Businesses and foundations across sectors have stepped up to help the IRC serve the most vulnerable during this unprecedented time. Bloomberg Philanthropies recently announced a generous $10 million contribution to our work. You can watch Michael Bloomberg himself explain why here. Sotheby’s and Google will host a Mayday Charity Auction from May 1 – 8, 2020 of virtual experiences with influential individuals to benefit our COVID-19 response. Experiences include coffee with Hillary Rodham Clinton, a hangout and conversation with actor/comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, coffee or tea with Madeleine Albright, the chance to record a song with singer and musician Sting, and a Shakespearian acting lesson with actor, director and producer Sir Patrick Stewart. Learn more and check out the full list here.

One thing you can do   Tell Congress to stand with immigrant families The Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act would address critical needs in immigrant communities that have been left out of previous relief packages - such as ensuring access to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines, and prohibiting discrimination in any COVID-19 relief program based on immigration status. Join us in calling your members of Congress today!

The IRC in the news   New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof urges readers to donate to the IRC In a recent column, Kristof called the IRC “a gold standard organization working in some of the toughest neighborhoods around the globe.” You can read the piece, which highlights ways readers can make a difference during the coronavirus pandemic, here.

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