Friend,

Last week, we shared with you that Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) had resumed our emergency COVID-19 response in Mumbai. At that time, there were more than 17 million confirmed cases in India. Now, there are more than 21 million cases—and that number is expected to climb even higher.

In response to this extremely alarming increase in cases, we want to let you know that we have scaled up our intervention. Our staff is working tirelessly to assist COVID-19 patients while continuing to provide care to those with other serious illnesses—including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. We are also in the process of sending additional teams with COVID-19 experience to care for people in need of hospitalization and oxygen therapy.

Gautam Harigovind, medical activity manager for MSF’s COVID-19 project in Mumbai, had this to say about the situation on the ground:

“Picture a thousand-bed hospital. There are 28 wards, as well as the emergency, casualty, and triage areas. It’s a makeshift hospital in a huge metal tent. Walking into it the first time was a surreal experience; I’ve never seen anything like it...

This is the second week of our emergency project. Last week, we had about 200 to 250 new patients admitted every day. While the situation in Mumbai remains very serious, as a team, we have had a better week. This week we’ve seen improving results from our patients, better than we expected.”

Friend, your support is why MSF teams are able to respond to this and other emergencies. Make your first monthly gift today to help us deliver lifesaving emergency aid around the world where it’s needed most.

Thank you in advance,

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)