Washington, DC — Today, Plan International USA (Plan) is pleased to be receiving $250,000 from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s CDP COVID-19 Response Fund to implement acute emergency response activities for the COVID-19 crisis. The funding will support Ministries of Health and other relevant host government health authorities in Egypt, Laos and Philippines in preventing infections in health facilities and reduce the risk of widespread community level transmission in these countries.
“Children, especially girls, in marginalized communities are particularly at risk in health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Tessie San Martin, President and CEO of Plan International USA. “This very timely grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy will help strengthen vulnerable health systems in these countries, limiting the spread of the pandemic and reducing the risks of transmitting the infection.”
In these three countries, widespread transmission would completely overwhelm already weak health services and result in a high morbidity and mortality especially amongst the more vulnerable populations. These stressed public health systems are seeking to limit and respond to the spread of COVID-19.
Plan’s proposed response activities are aligned with the national government strategies and will focus on:
Egypt
— Providing infection prevention and control materials to health facilities.
Laos
— Training health staff on how to disinfect health facilities to prevent COVID-19 transmission at the community level.
Philippines
— Conducting hygiene education, social distancing awareness and providing information, education and communication materials.
These efforts will result in:
- Strengthened water, sanitation and hygiene: Adequate hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (including government response);
- Public Health support for host government quarantine facilities for case management; and
- Ensured community engagement & risk communication: Access to context specific, timely and correct information on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about how Plan is responding to COVID-19 around the world and how you can support our efforts.
Plan International experts are available for media interviews.
Media contact:
Bernice Morquette
bernice.morquette@planusa.org
Mobile: 202-617-2245
About Plan International USA
Powered by supporters, Plan International USA partners with adolescent girls, young women and children around the world to overcome oppression and gender inequality, providing the support and resources that are unique to their needs and the needs of their communities, ensuring they achieve their full potential with dignity, opportunity and safety. Founded in 1937, Plan is an independent development and humanitarian organization that is active in more than 80 countries.
For more information, please visit PlanUSA.org.
About the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP)
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s extensive experience in disaster recovery means the organization is uniquely suited to rapidly and efficiently respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. CDP’s mission is to leverage the power of philanthropy to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. For more information, go to disasterphilanthropy.org, call (202) 464-2018 or tweet @funds4disaster.
