COVID-19

The coronavirus outbreak is currently occupying the entire world - and requires prudent action. But good crisis management requires more than just scientific research. It also requires political and social responses. Feminism has already developed the ideas that can now close the gap of inequality which becomes even more obvious in times of crisis.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused widespread suffering in rich countries, overwhelming some of the best healthcare systems in the world. But with the disease now spreading to many countries with high levels of poverty and inequality, its impact could be catastrophic and disproportionally affect women. Urgent action is needed now.

The Coronavirus crisis could result in a catastrophic loss of life in poorer countries and push half a billion more people into poverty. This week, the G20 finance ministers, the IMF and the World Bank can offer an instant lifeline – by cancelling all external debt payments for 2020. This could save $40 billion immediately and support almost 500 million of the world’s poorest to survive this crisis.

As the first case of coronavirus is confirmed in Yemen, Muhsin Siddiquey, Oxfam Country Director in Yemen said: “The first confirmed case of coronavirus in Yemen is a devastating blow in a country that is ill-equipped after five years of brutal conflict to contain its spread.

Every country in the world is experiencing an economic shock as a result of the Coronavirus crisis, and all governments must act now to protect their people from destitution. Unless dramatic action is taken to shore up the economies of developing countries, the crisis could push as many as half a billion people into poverty.

The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic could push half a billion more people into poverty unless urgent action is taken to bail out developing countries, said Oxfam today.

The only way to avoid the pandemic devastating lives and livelihoods at an untold scale is for rich countries to mobilise all available resources, said Oxfam in response to a new European Commission plan outlining how the EU will support developing countries in the face of COVID-19.

Huguette Yago manages the supply of water and sanitation equipment, as well as organizing hygiene awareness sessions for displaced people in north-central Burkina Faso. With her team, she's working around the clock to prevent the spread of coronavirus which could be devastating in camps where the lack of water poses huge challenges.

The coronavirus threatens to take many millions of lives and push billions more into poverty. Oxfam proposes two things that the G20 and other leaders can do now: develop a global public health plan and emergency response to tackle the disease head on; and create an economic rescue plan to cope with the huge economic costs precipitated by this virus. 

Faced with the coronavirus pandemic, Oxfam has geared up its entire humanitarian aid delivery system to help the most vulnerable communities. Despite access restrictions, we are working around the clock with our local partners to deliver vital assistance to curb to spread of the virus and help protect people from its economic impact. You can help.