Help vulnerable people facing COVID-19, hunger and poverty.
Act now to help provide life-changing support, supplies and services to the most marginalised communities in the world.
Supporting communities impacted by COVID-19
The severe impact of COVID-19 has been felt across all parts of society, but particularly by those living in poverty. Your donation can help protect vulnerable men, women and children from this deadly virus by providing lifesaving hygiene products, PPE, prevention education and psychosocial support.
Tackling the hunger crisis
World hunger is on the rise, with up to 161 million more people facing hunger this past year. With your support, we are working with communities to build resilience to natural disasters and famine, and providing sustainable farming skills to boost food security.
Working to overcome the challenges of poverty
Your generosity enables us to work alongside and empower marginalised communities to tackle poverty through the implementation of sustainable solutions.
Your help is urgently needed. Donate today to help vulnerable communities fight COVID-19, hunger and poverty.
The world faces most significant increase in hunger in decades
A report released by the UN this month shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the most significant increase in world hunger in decades, with global hunger increasing last year by 18 per cent compared to the year before.
This year’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report estimates that between 118 million and 161 million more people faced hunger in 2020. A staggering 2 billion people are unable to access enough food or adequate nutritious food year-round.
More than half of the people who were malnourished lived in Asia (418 million), more than one third in Africa (282 million) and eight percent (60 million) in Latin America, according to the report.
Although the full impact of the pandemic is as yet unclear, it is believed that much of the increase is likely related to fallout from COVID-19.
“When farmers can’t get to market because of lockdowns, they can’t sell their crops, which means that not only do they not earn enough income for that season, but they can’t invest in seeds and fertilisers for next season. When this happens to enough farmers, entire regions that were previously food secure are put at risk of food shortages and famine because nobody can afford to grow crops.”
The UN warns that the world is at a critical point and must act now to achieve the goal of eradicating hunger by 2030.
It says transforming food supply systems is crucial to achieve food security, alleviate hunger and to improve nutrition for all globally. This includes strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable communities to economic adversity to lessen the impact of pandemic-style shocks or volatility in food markets, as well as scaling up climate resilience across food systems.
You can make a difference. Give what you can today to help vulnerable communities to recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19, hunger and poverty.
Your support can help to:
improve access to clean water and sanitation
provide hygiene supplies like soap, sanitiser and PPE
empower women with the necessary tools and support to gain financial independence
provide education programs that help break the cycle of poverty
create COVID-safe environments through awareness-raising and access to WASH
provide sustainable farming training to boost food security
The Caritas Australia difference
We work alongside the most vulnerable communities in the world to help them achieve their development goals and forge a path out of poverty. We draw upon local strengths and knowledge to tackle the key issues that contribute to poverty and inequality.
By working alongside communities, local organisations and church networks, we are able to create sustainable and lasting change.
Today we serve in 18 countries, working with over 50 local partners, to bring hope, support and compassion to the most remote and marginalised people in the world. With your support can help more people like Halima and Thandolwayo.
Halima from Bangladesh
"My life has changed a lot since participating in the Caritas-Australia supported program. Before, my kids fell sick two or three times a month. Now I can keep my children clean, educate them and cover expenses for their needs. I can feed them balanced food and ensure our clothes are clean. I can afford a doctor and medicines for my mother."
Thandolwayo from Zimbabwe
“Life has really changed as a result of the tap because now I can bathe every day. We can wash our plates and clothes regularly. The distance to collect water for the family has been drastically reduced. We now drink clean, safe water and diseases are no longer affecting us."
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Join us - Together we can create change
With your support, we were able to reach millions of people worldwide this past year. Through 73 partnerships, we supported 45 long-term development programs in 18 countries.
We also responded to disasters and conflict in 23 countries with local partners and as a part of the Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CAN DO) consortium.
Our partnerships with local organisations and Church networks means that we can quickly and efficiently reach the most remote and marginalised communities in the world. When conflict or disaster strikes, we already have trusted people on the ground that can provide emergency supports, services and supplies to families affected by crisis.