Catholic Relief Services Responds to COVID Crises in India and Brazil

Catholic Relief Services Responds to COVID Crises in India and Brazil

In India and Brazil thousands are currently dying to COVID-19 because their health care systems are overwhelmed with patients. CRS and its partner agencies are responding with emergency assistance in both countries.

In India, most of the medical supplies reaching the country are going to hospitals in the biggest cities. CRS is supporting more than 50 hospitals in smaller cities, where the need is acute, through the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI). CRS’ collaboration with CHAI will provide medical services to more than 100,000 COVID patients. This support includes the provision of personal protective equipment kits; medical supplies and disinfectants; staff surge and volunteer support; food for recovering patients; and psychosocial support for health care workers.

In Brazil, CRS partner Caritas Brasileira is reaching out to hard hit and isolated indigenous communities in the Amazon. They have provided 5,000 families with hygiene materials, such as hand-washing stations, soap and hand sanitizer, and to those with COVID-19, have supplied materials for home disinfection—bleach, gloves, towels and mops. In addition, the organization is educating the public about the disease, measures to prevent it and what to do if infected.

To learn more about Catholic Relief Services response to these crises, please see the COVID-19 Emergency Fact Sheet – India and Brazil on the CRS website under “Global Effort” at COVID-19 Pandemic in India and Brazil | CRS, or contact the diocesan CRS office at 510-768-3176 and [email protected].
Donations are needed for CRS’ COVID-19 relief efforts-- visit their donation page here.
To learn about achieving global vaccine equity, visit CRS’ “Get Involved” page here.
To find out more about what CRS is doing to help communities around the world impacted by COVID-19, visit their crisis watch page here.