Everyone is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the impact is unfortunately felt more by some than others. The concept of ‘social distancing’ in developing countries is quite challenging given systems that are not remotely equipped for this. A lot of Nigerians are currently struggling with little to no help from the government, as most businesses were closed down affecting employments and livelihoods. This further worsens conditions of individuals barely able to sustain themselves before this.

These individuals include (but not limited to) petty traders whose livelihoods depend on daily sales of goods which are no longer possible, menial, and low-paid service workers who lost their jobs due to lockdown conditions. Much of the population in these areas fall below the poverty line and will be impacted long after the virus is gone.

It is near impossible to observe sanitation guidelines in high-density houses or wash your hands regularly with no running water. People in these communities barely have enough to survive the day and their conditions have been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, our work lately has been focused on providing humanitarian aids in the form of cash handouts and food items to alleviate hunger, hardships, and the loss of jobs/income.

This is the time for us to step up and help the most vulnerable. Think about these people and please think about ways you can get involved. We must act and the time to act is now. Thank you for your support.