A year ago today, the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The data from the onset was very clear, older people are at the highest risk of serious illness from the disease.

We understood early on the disease poses a huge threat to older people across the world who are already facing life-threatening challenges because of other health conditions, poverty, discrimination and humanitarian crises. 

For older people around the world living in fragile places, having fled conflict at home, coronavirus brought renewed fear and hardship.  

Since the onset of the pandemic, we worked hard with HelpAge International and local partners to reach thousands of older people in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America with vital support, helping to protect them and prevent the spread of the disease.

From intiating new emergency COVID-19 projects, to adapting long-running programmes - we have tailored our response to meet the needs of older people and their families.

Some countries carried out 'Rapid Needs Assessments', speaking to older people to understand how they were being affected and the impact of the restriction on their movement. 

From ensuring older people were made aware of the virus and how to prevent the spread with accessible messaging to providing mental health and medical support and ensuring they have the basic necessities such as hygiene kits, handwashing facilities and essential items, we have supported - with HelpAge International - thousands of older people during the pandemic.

Thanks to the DEC Coronavirus appeal, and the generous support of our donors we were able to raise funds to provide the help older people told us they needed.