India is in trouble. The second wave of coronavirus sweeping the country is nothing short of catastrophic — thousands of people are dying every 24 hours, and according to the ABC, the country has reported more than 300,000 daily cases. For more than 10 days straight.
Families are scrambling for medication and oxygen. In fact, it’s said there is an oxygen shortage — and people are turning to the black market to secure it, even with its inflated prices.
Images of people left waiting outside hospitals and temples, of mass cremations of the dead have shocked the world. Along with governments providing some support — our government has decided not to let Australians return from India, but are sending ventilators and protective equipment — individuals are also wanting to help.
To make the search slightly easier for you, we’ve rounded up a few organisations and campaigns you can donate to in an effort to support India, through what is undeniably a devastating time for the nation.
UNICEF
UNICEF Australia has teams working on the ground, “to reach families desperately in need.” Donations will help provide increased access to life-saving oxygen, provide rapid, accurate testing machines, and support the ongoing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Cricket Australia has partnered with the organisation and made a $50,000 donation.
To donate, visit www.unicef.org.au/appeals/india-covid-19-crisis
World Vision
Humanitarian aid organisation, World Vision, has refocused its COVID-19 response due to India’s urgent needs; it’s set to allocate about $2.5 million for beds and oxygen concentrators in 93 hospitals.
World Vision is fundraising for more hospital beds, oxygen machines and medical supplies, and donations can be made by visiting www.worldvision.com.au/end-corona#donate.
Care Australia
Care Australia has launched an appeal for the India COVID-19 Crisis and is working to set up temporary hospitals, with supplies of oxygen, medication, medical staff, PPE kits, and more. The organisation has already set up two fully functioning 100-bed COVID Care Centres, which have already started admitting patients — but more are needed.
You can make a donation by visiting www.care.org.au/appeals/india-covid-19-appeal/
Oxfam
Charitable organisation, Oxfam, is working to distribute soap, hand sanitiser and masks to families; provide healthcare workers with essential disposables, and provide hospitals with oxygen tanks and other essential equipment.
Donations to Oxfam can be made on their website: secure.oxfam.org.au/donate/coronavirus
Australian Red Cross
The Australian branch of the Red Cross is working with local partners across the Asia Pacific — India, Pakistan, Nepal, The Philippines and Papua New Guinea — and is helping them scale up their emergency activities in response to pandemic surges, as well as sustain health, water, sanitation and hygiene services.
The Red Cross’ global COVID-19 appeal can be found at www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/covid-19-response
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.