Hunger and poverty create the perfect storm for a disaster to take hold, and this has been proven throughout the pandemic. In India, the number of recorded COVID-19 cases has surpassed 5 million. There have been over 1 million cases across Africa, and more than 300,000 in Bangladesh. However, with inadequate testing and few health facilities, these numbers are likely to be much higher in reality, and the task of stopping the spread is much more challenging. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that the pandemic will force an additional 83 to 132 million people to live in hunger every day (read more about the link between hunger and COVID-19 here).
In the face of COVID-19, the core tenets of The Hunger Project’s work are as relevant as ever and have set us up in the best possible position to respond. Our long-term work promoting local leadership, strong systems, and resilience are all critical as communities navigate the health, economic and social impacts of COVID-19. The very model we work within enables our village partners to proactively respond to the virus and the lasting effects of the lockdown.
The following are just two excellent examples from Uganda and Ghana on how innovation and creativity have been unleashed:
Firstly, meet Irene Sara from Uganda:
“From the trainings by The Hunger Project, I learnt that food can be stored for a long time. During times of scarcity…I am [now] food secure.”
In this video, hear how she has achieved food security for herself and her family and is able to earn an income even during the pandemic.
Secondly, meet a group of young women in Ghana:
“When the COVID-19 pandemic set in, the country was short of…masks. Most of them were imported… When the situation got worse, we decided to mobilise people using locally-made materials. This has improved access and usage [for the community].”
In this video, hear how the THP-Ghana team adapted their skills-training workshops during COVID-19 so that young women – many who have had to drop out of school because of pregnancy due to child marriage – learn dressmaking and earn an income to support themselves.
Want to learn more?
You can find out about our COVID-19 framework for action and what we’ve achieved so far in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in THP communities here.
Make an impact today
So many of you have already generously invested during COVID-19 — thank you! Both our regular programs and COVID-19 initiatives are ongoing, so your investment today will continue to enable people to protect themselves and their families, and also lift themselves out of hunger and poverty. Reach out to 16.5 million people living in THP communities in Africa, India and Bangladesh by donating here.