Coronavirus is impacting us all massively, but spare a moment (and a few pounds if you can) to think about those in rural Madagascar, noted by the World Bank as the poorest country in the World. Here there are few health services, many people’s immune systems are already compromised, mortality rates are among the worst in the World and communication systems, to tell people about the virus and how to avoid it, are poor.

Death rates are set to be much higher in developing countries like Madagascar, than here, and communities, health clinics, and Government are simply not prepared or equipped to cope with the sweeping devastation that COVID-19 is likely to cause. Whilst people in developed countries are being told to wash their hands and use hand sanitiser, in Madagascar, families, schools, and even hospitals do not have access to water, and hand sanitiser is the equivalent price of a day's salary for most.

SEED Madagascar are a UK based charity, who have been working to help Malagasy communities, the environment and wildlife around them for 20 years, but now more than ever they need our help.

SEED are committed to help reduce the impact of this crisis by developing and distributing information about coronavirus, to promote community preparedness across schools, churches, other NGOs, and individuals. They’re working with social media, radio, and partners to increase awareness, which they hope will prepare people and ultimately save lives.

On top of this important humanitarian and environmental work they also expect to have a financially tough time themselves, as costs rise and incomes fall in the coming months, and they are hoping to raise an extra ten thousand pounds to fund this vital work and support the charity’s long term mission.

If you can help financially, can share the message or just want to find out more, please visithttps://madagascar.co.uk/coronavirus-appeal