When pandemics like Covid-19 hit, regardless of where they start, they usually hit those in poverty first and worst. Low- and middle-income countries have weaker health systems and limited capacity to handle surges in illnesses, especially critical cases. The impacts are disproportionately harder on the poorer and more vulnerable segments in society. There are some estimates that this crisis will push 49 million people into extreme poverty in 2020, and the larger share will be in countries already struggling with high poverty rates — countries where Children International is working right now.
The way this pandemic has impacted families around the world has made the support of sponsorship even more powerful. Sponsorship will fill the growing gaps between what a child in poverty has and what she needs.
To learn more about the impacts of covid-19 on poverty and our response to the unique challenges in the areas where we work, visit our Covid-19 info page.