COVID-19 Emergency Response - Doctors Without Borders 2021

February 2021 - The rapid spread of COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed healthcare systems disrupted economies and altered livelihoods in many parts of the world. People living in crisis-affected settings often in over-crowded areas are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provides medical humanitarian operations to vulnerable populations at risk of contracting and spreading the virus in countries affected by war armed conflict and other situations of violence. With GAC’s support MSF aims to minimize the consequences of the pandemic on affected populations through activities that include: (1) providing direct patient care to those affected by COVID-19; (2) increasing access to primary and secondary medical care in places where gaps exist in local health systems as a result of COVID-19; and (3) increasing awareness in affected communities about the virus and prevention measures.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access and availability of emergency medical COVID-care; (2) increased access to emergency medical care in contexts where COVID-19 has overburdened local health care systems; and (3) improved delivery of comprehensive risk communications regarding health and hygiene promotion. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in the targeted regions.