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In India alone, more than 200,000 lives were lost to the pandemic. Across the country, hospitals were overran and oxygen supplies fell short of demand.
Across the world, and especially in India, the most marginalised were hit the hardest. From women and people with disabilities to informal and migrant workers and Dalit communities.
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Surviving through lockdown in India
Poonam from Delhi lives with her husband and three children aged 10, 8 and 6. Before the coronavirus pandemic, Poonam worked as a domestic maid in five houses and her husband was a housekeeper.
During the 1st wave of COVID-19 in 2020, Poonam’s husband lost his job, meaning the family was totally dependent on her.
However, with the 2nd wave of COVID-19 came a nationwide lockdown.
Home owners would not allow Poonam to continue her work in their homes due to the fear of spreading coronavirus.
How Christian Aid was able to help
After the family had been living on a single income, this was also now also cut off. They had no savings to manage the house expenses, food stock at home was running short and they did not know how they would survive the next few weeks.
It was during this crucial time that Christian Aid’s partner EFICOR met Poonam and her family. Learning of their circumstances, they received support from funds from Christian Aid’s Coronavirus Appeal response.
Poonam received cash support of approximately £20 into her account to use as she needed for her family’s survival. She immediately bought some grains and groceries as well as school books for her children.
The support that she received helped her to manage for three weeks until she was able to resumed to her work as maid in three houses and support her family again.
Christian Aid has created a special Emergency Fund to ensure that when there are emergencies that don’t make the headlines in the UK, we'll be able to respond swiftly to support families in need.
Emergencies happen around the world with no warning. Please support our Emergency Fund Appeal, allowing us to provide instant support when crisis hits.