Unite against Coronavirus
As we cope with coronavirus in the UK, we think of our sisters and brothers in developing countries who are facing this pandemic with fragile health systems, some of which have almost no intensive care beds or ventilators.
Food prices have already risen with borders closing, the poorest are losing their jobs and income with wholesale shutdowns. Furthermore, inadequate healthcare, lack of access to washing facilities and limited ability to social distance will result in loss of life on an intolerable scale. The likely impact will be devastating.
We are one global family. In order to continue protecting and improving the lives of those in poor communities, your prayers, gifts and voices are needed now more than ever. Please visit cafod.org.uk/coronavirus to find out ways you can give, act and pray in response to this crisis.
Acting in solidarity with the poor is one of the actions of our parish #LiveSimply plan. This is the wording of the new CAFOD petition to the Prime Minister asking the government to put the needs of the most vulnerable. Please use the link above to sign and encourage others to sign too.
Our sisters and brothers overseas do not have access to healthcare systems as brilliant as the NHS. We urge you to work together with other world leaders to:
- Make sure that any vaccine developed with UK public money is made available to everyone regardless of their income or where in the world they live.
- Provide urgent financial and technical support to help developing countries cope with this crisis.
- Cancel all debt payments by developing countries due in 2020 and 2021 so that countries can spend money on much needed healthcare rather than debt repayments.
- Put plans in place to rebuild a fairer, more just society after the crisis so that the world’s most vulnerable people can live in dignity and to restore our common home for future generations.