The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has many of us feeling uncertain about the future. What began as a global health crisis has only worsened the inequalities that exist for so many around the world.

In Nicaragua, PWS&D partners provided families with food kits, hygiene and sanitation items, including hand soap and towels.
Many have seen livelihoods and employment either severely limited or completely lost. Families are worried about meeting their most pressing needs, especially for food. In November 2020, the United Nations World Food Programme estimated that an additional 137 million people could face acute food insecurity because of the pandemic. Additionally, it is expected that the economic losses felt by so many due to COVID-19 in 2020 will continue through 2021. As a member of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, PWS&D is responding to hunger needs as much as we are able.
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. PWS&D is also providing support to longer-term ACT Alliance COVID-19 projects.
Adjustments were made to programs in every country where PWS&D works, repurposing funds for planned activities which are not currently possible. In 2021, we hope to resume more normal activities to continue supporting vulnerable communities.
*A video on our COVID-19 response can be found here.