28 April 2021
India is experiencing a devastating second wave of COVID-19 throughout the country. According to reports, positive cases of COVID-19 have skyrocketed to 17 million in total. There are now over 300,000 new infections a day, making India the country with the world’s highest rate of daily COVID-19 cases. According to the local news, cities are facing severe oxygen shortages for critically ill patients.
Currently, the Indian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) are working around the clock to safeguard residents. More than 46,000 Red Cross workers are providing medical and emotional support for those most at-risk to help alleviate pressure on health care systems amid lockdowns in several of the worst-hit regions, including New Delhi and Mumbai. To meet the most critical need, the Red Cross is providing oxygen for critical patients. Red Cross ambulances are transporting the most vulnerable patients, including migrants, single women, mothers and people with disabilities to medical facilities.
To mitigate families’ risks, the Indian Red Cross is vaccinating people with the COVID-19 vaccines in urban and rural areas. Volunteers are handing out masks, soap and hygiene kits in villages. To date, they have distributed more than 31 million meals and food rations to more than 276,000 people, including migrants and the elderly. The Red Cross has provided emotional support to more than 770,000 people to cope with ongoing trauma. Red Crossers continue to actively share information about the spread of COVID-19 and demonstrate proper hygiene practices.
The Luxembourg Red Cross is calling for donations to help the Indian Red Cross to continue to save lives. Help us fight coronavirus on the ground. Make a donation to strengthen the capacities of the teams on site.
People wishing to support the Luxembourg Red Cross with a donation by bank transfer (IBAN LU52 1111 0000 1111 0000; Reference: India Covid Emergency).