Habitat’s COVID-19 Response
Romania
Covid-19 pandemic is spreading fast in Romania, threatening lives especially of the most vulnerable. In a pandemic, rapid medical response together with a strong health system are prerequisites for successful interventions.
Habitat Romania is working in partnership with the Moinesti Ambulance Centre to build an Emergency Centre, which will serve over 65.000 people from 11 communities in NE part of Romania.
Habitat for Humanity will build a new Emergency Centre in 6 weeks to improve the working conditions of doctors, nurses and ambulance crews. Work has begun, planned completion in only 6 weeks so it will be functional during the pandemic and for years to come.
Zambia
In Zambia, 36% of the population don’t have access to safe water which makes families particularly vulnerable to disease.
During the current situation, Habitat has prioritised the provision of clean, safe water in unplanned settlements of Lusaka, Kabwe and Ndola Districts among others to fight against COVID-19.
Habitat Zambia is working in the most vulnerable communities to build sanitation stations and distribute hygiene packs. We are also raising awareness in these communities, to promote correct techniques for COVID-19 prevention.
India
In India, there is a staggering need for homes and proper sanitation.
Since she was a child, Kulu didn’t have access to sanitation and had to follow her mother and sister out in the fields before dawn and after dusk to relieve herself.
“I was always scared of snakes and poisonous insects, so I had to be accompanied by other women”.
Thanks to generous donations, Habitat for Humanity has built 310 sanitation units in Kulu’s village, in #India, which has received an open defecation free status.
In response to COVID-19, Habitat India are distributing Hygiene and Family Essentials Kits to the most vulnerable communities, serving more than 250,000 to date.
Ethiopia
Our partnership with Ethiopia is personal and deep. It has transformed the lives of thousands of people in Ethiopia, and connects hearts and lives here at home too. Our programme is diverse, tailored to meet the local housing need – from slum upgrades to improved water and sanitation facilities.
An estimated 73% of Ethiopians don’t have access to safe drinking water, and 90% don’t have access to sanitation facilities. As a result, illness and diseases caused by poor sanitation and contaminated water supplies are common.
Over the last 25 years Habitat for Humanity has provided access to decent housing, as well as Water and Sanitation to 54,000 families in 19 communities and have trained 13,000 families in proper hygiene practices – all key components in slowing the spread of Coronavirus.
