Packaging relief: Responding to COVID-19 in the Philippines
Stories | April 30, 2020
In light of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, CBM Australia’s projects have temporarily changed focus to provide immediate assistance to those in need. In the Philippines, a community project initially designed to prepare people with disabilities and their communities for natural hazards such as typhoons has now adapted to prepare for new and ongoing challenges. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, the project focused on raising awareness of disability rights, improving access to health support and ensuring disaster preparedness plans were inclusive for everyone. In the current climate, this project has adopted new tasks and safety measures to assist the community to address the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here, Roman, one of the Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) volunteers in Palo, Philippines takes part in the preparation of 1415 relief packs for people living with disabilities and their families. These vital food and hygiene packages are currently being distributed to vulnerable households unable to earn income or buy food due to the quarantine lockdown measures. Part of the project also includes distributing personal protective equipment packs for healthcare workers on the COVID-19 front line. For Roman and his colleagues, people with disabilities have become key partners for the community during the response and sharing in the work to help others in need.
A key component of the work CBM Australia undertakes is ensuring that we are dynamic and adaptable to the needs of our partners and communities. CBM Australia is working hard to accommodate the changes and assist our partners and projects in responding to the COVID 19 pandemic in a quick and responsible manner, to ensure no-one is left behind. Your support in this undertaking is deeply valued and has real impact for those living in the communities we support.
With hospitals and clinics still open to provide services to the most vulnerable, the most neglected, the most forgotten, CBM Australia is actively working with field partners to ensure essential programs are delivered and people with disabilities are included in response efforts. Discover how CBM is working with field partners and how you can help.
Pledge to stand in solidarity with all our neighbours, and encourage our government to provide vital support to vulnerable nations by signing the End COVID For All pledge here.
https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/packaging-relief-responding-to-covid-19-in-the-philippines
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