International Rescue Committee president and CEO David Miliband provides a weekly video update on the new coronavirus, COVID-19, and the IRC's response.
We've learned this week that the COVID virus is entering the world's war zones. From Syria to Somalia, to Afghanistan to Libya, the cases are being reported and the COVID virus is threatening some of the most vulnerable populations in the world. They are the people who we serve. Our staff and teams in 200 facilities in 35 countries are taking the vital preventative steps to help contain the spread of the disease. I'm so proud of how they're using their expertise in infection prevention and control to halt the spread of the disease and give people a chance to stay healthy.
In Afghanistan, our handwashing facilities are being taken to the most remote places. In Italy, over 100,000 people have used the Signpost facility, a special online platform that helps give trusted information. In Colombia, we're using telemedicine to reach isolated people. All around the world, IRC staff know how vital this time is to prevent the spread of the disease. That's our priority because the better we do on prevention the more of a fighting chance we have when it comes to actually treating people who've got the disease.
All of this work is only possible thanks to the amazing support of our donors. At a time when you and your families are under threat and at risk, you're reaching out to help others. From the bottom of all of our hearts thank you so much.
