URGENT COVID-19 APPEAL
PREVENTING A HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS IN AFGHANISTAN
Due to decades of conflict and political infighting, Afghanistan’s economic system is unstable, impacting on the fragility of the current national healthcare system. As it stands, Afghanistan has some of the highest rates of diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease and malnutrition in the world, significantly burdening the existing healthcare system. The threat of a global pandemic will likely cripple an already fragile health system, which has reported only 300 working ventilators nationwide.
THE SITUATION
Neighbouring Afghanistan is Iran, which has become a global epicentre for COVID-19, with over 75,000 confirmed cases and close to 5,000 reported deaths. As it stands, Afghanistan has reported just over 700 cases nationwide, and 25 deaths. However, the actual number of infected cases is likely much higher with over 200,000 Afghan refugees crossing the border back into Afghanistan from infected areas of Iran since the outbreak began back in January. Due to a lack of preventative measures such as border disease control, quarantine processes and COVID-19 testing, it is difficult to predict the real and likely devastating extent of the virus in Afghanistan.
OUR AIM
- Provide safe access to adequate healthcare to our vulnerable beneficiaries with pre-existing medical conditions.
- Distribute disease prevention kits, which include an information list indicating symptoms and advice in clear messaging, face masks, sanitizer, hand soap, gloves, and medication (where appropriate) to distribute to vulnerable members of the community. In addition, we require supplies to maintain cleanliness and hygiene within the Hope Houses and other facilities we operate; a total of 1545 kits.
- Implement temporary measures to support our widows through food packages and rental relief, providing families with nutritious food to prevent malnutrition and rental relief for those that are unable to work from home.
- Provide students under our support with curriculum-based home-school kits, which will include learning plans, essential stationery supplies, notebooks and textbooks. These kits will be prepared with assistance from government-qualified teachers.
COVID-19 UPDATE
From our office in Kabul
As COVID19 increases to spread across the country daily, the government has put limits on the daily life of the people. Closures of markets and lock-downs have triggered a surge in prices of basic necessities, including food and personal hygiene products.
Life in Afghanistan has become harder than ever.
Despite these restrictions, the doors of Mahboba’s Promise are still open to the widows and orphans of the country, and we are trying our best to keep them safe and well. In addition to food packs, we have distributed hygiene kits, which included masks, gloves and clear messaging to stay home and ensure physical distancing.” Thank you for everyone who has donated so far – you’ve made this possible. We still have many more vulnerable people to assist, please donate below to give to those in need.
YOUR DONATION WILL HELP PROVIDE:
HEALTHCARE FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE
People with pre-existing medical conditions are more vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with the virus. It is critical we protect these people during this health crisis and ensure they continue to receive adequate healthcare.
PREVENTION & CONTROL KITS
With your help, we hope to provide over 1,500 individuals with COVID-19 prevention kits to help prevent and control the spread of the virus. These kits will include clear information regarding the virus and it’s symptoms, face masks, sanitizer, soap, vitamins and medication.
FOOD &
HOUSING
Physical distancing, along with personal hygiene, is the most effective way to combat this virus. With many people unable to earn an income from home, it is our priority to support vulnerable families through providing nutritious food packs and ensure ongoing housing during this time.
HOME-SCHOOL KITS
With the Afghan government closing all schools, millions of publicly educated students are currently receiving no education. We are working towards developing a curriculum-based home-school kit for all primary and secondary students under our support.
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW.