In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Local economies began being disrupted due to lockdowns, food security became a concern for many families, and precarious access to appropriate sanitation and hygiene facilities became even more dangerous due to the pandemic.

PWS&D responded through the ACT Alliance with rapid response projects in 14 countries. Projects helped affected people access food, sanitation and hygiene, protective equipment and psycho-social support, with a focus on gender justice and the protection of highly vulnerable populations.

After initially supporting these efforts geared toward urgent action, PWS&D continued to work to bring relief to vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, Somalia, South Sudan and Palestine.