India Humanitarian Response – International Federation of the Red Cross COVID-19 Appeal

April 2021 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India have grown exponentially to over 17 million with daily cases increasing from around 10 000 at the beginning of February 2021 to more than 350 000 by the end of April. According to the WHO Health Emergency Dashboard on April 27 alone India officially recorded over 2 700 deaths due to COVID-19. However excess deaths attributable to the virus were likely many times this figure. This second wave has overwhelmed health infrastructure across the country. In major cities like Mumbai and Delhi there are severe shortages of ICU hospital beds medical oxygen and medications to treat COVID-19. Hospitals are overcrowded and turning away patients. Hospitalization facilities human resources capacity bedding availability and ambulance services are in high demand. A growing number of Indian states have implemented lockdowns. With GAC’s support the Canadian Red Cross will support the Indian Red Cross in responding to urgent needs brought on by the most recent wave of the pandemic. Project activities include: (1) providing health supplies and equipment to affected medical facilities and communities to bolster the health system’s response; (2) expanding health service provision; and (3) implementing risk communication and hygiene promotion activities within the community.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved health service provision to affected communities; and (2) improved communication on hygiene and health within affected communities. The expected ultimate outcome of this project is to save lives alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity in the targeted regions of India.