Mercy Corps DONATE Breadcrumb WHAT WE DO COVID-19 RESPONSE COVID-19 response Before queuing in line to receive cash assistance in Tillaberi Region, Niger, everyone must secure their masks and wash their hands. The global community is facing a crisis of greater scale, urgency, and complexity than at any time since the Second World War. The health impacts of the virus have been immense, but the devastation goes far beyond the immediate effects of the illness. For millions of people, this pandemic has exacerbated hunger, poverty, conflict, and gender inequality—all of which have the potential to be equally or even more deadly than the virus itself. While the COVID‑19 pandemic affects us all, it doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Many of the worst impacts will fall most heavily on the vulnerable communities where we work. The spread of COVID‑19 and the efforts to contain it are devastating economies, and straining the political and social fabric in contexts already overwhelmed by natural disasters, conflict, and deteriorating livelihoods. It is these communities that will face the steepest climb to recovery. Extreme poverty is on the rise for the first time in two decades. In early 2020, one in every 45 people around the world was in need of humanitarian assistance. In 2021, that figure is one in every 33. That’s 235 million people who rely on aid to survive, an increase of 40% from last year. 37m people we reached in 2020 despite the pandemic 40% increase in people who need humanitarian assistance 270m people at risk of not having enough to eat While Mercy Corps continues to support urgent efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, we are also doubling down on our work to protect and build food security, economic opportunity, and peace and stability in the world's most fragile environments. This includes a focus on promoting equitable access to vaccines and ensuring communities around the world trust their public health systems when vaccines arrive. Leveraging our core strengths in building resilience and addressing root causes, we partner with communities, local governments, and the private sector to strengthen their ability to better cope with the crisis, minimise adverse effects, and foster long-term well-being. For more details on our approaches, please download the documents below: Protecting Food Security and Nutrition in COVID‑19 Advancing Economic Opportunity Amidst COVID‑19 Peace and Stability in COVID‑19 In Puerto Rico, Mercy Corps worked with a local farmers association to provide food baskets with fresh produce and fish to families in the midst of COVID-19 lockdowns. The food baskets helped feed families while also supporting farmers and fisherfolk struggling to navigate limited access to markets to sell their goods. As we tap into our network of experts and over 40 years of experience tackling the world’s biggest and most challenging crises, the safety of our team members and the communities with whom we work continues to be our highest priority. We are taking appropriate measures to keep our teams safe and healthy and to ensure our urgently needed work can continue as much as possible in this quickly changing environment. If you would like to join us on our mission, we invite you to donate to our COVID‑19 Resilience Fund. Your gift can help provide emergency supplies, food, clean water and urgently needed support to vulnerable families and communities during this crisis and beyond. Support our COVID‑19 Resilience Fund today. Give now Related articles We need it now: Uganda and the critical call for COVID-19 vaccines An in-depth look at how COVID-19 intensifies conflicts COVID-19 and crises across the world See more articles Related research and resources Weathering the COVID-19 Storm From Alignment to Integration: Lessons from Iraq A Clash of Contagions See more research and resources ABOUT US Our leadership Careers Financials Diversity, equity, and inclusion Ethics and policies Press HOW TO HELP Make a donation Give monthly Volunteer Fundraise Partner with us Include us in your will CONTACT US Facebook Twitter Instagram JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER Get updates about our work and discover how you can take action. Read our privacy statement for more information. SIGN UP Charity Watch Charity Navigator Charity No. SC030289 Privacy Policy Copyright © 2021 Mercy Corps Modern Slavery Statement