About the Emergency

First detected in China in December 2019, COVID-19 has been identified in more than 200 countries. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) publicly characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. COVID-19 continues to have a global impact. Many countries around the world—including in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas—have experienced a second or third wave of COVID-19 cases. In April 2021, COVID-19 cases in India began to skyrocket. This outbreak soon spread throughout the region, overwhelming health systems.

USAID is actively assisting countries affected by COVID-19, working directly with governments, multilateral organizations, NGOs and other organizations responding on the ground to combat the outbreak. Since the outset of the pandemic, USAID has worked closely with health care facilities to improve preparedness and infection prevention and control. In addition, we have worked to keep brave frontline health workers safe so they can continue to save lives. More information on the USAID’s COVID-19 response can be found here. For additional information on the U.S. Government’s COVID-19 response, please visit: https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus.

How You Can Help

Donate

Send cash donations to reputable relief organizations working on the ground. They will enable these organizations to buy critically-needed supplies, including personal protective equipment for frontline health workers. Detailed information on how relief organizations use donations can be found at: GiveWell, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and the Better Business Bureau. For companies that want to help, here is USAID private sector guidance and a business guide with tips. Below are organizations responding to COVID-19.

* Indicates organizations responding to COVID-19 in India.

Volunteer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in four Americans volunteered for an organization at least once during the course of a year. However, there are a few things that would-be disaster volunteers should stop and consider before getting on a plane.

Additional Resources

InterAction is an alliance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in Washington, D.C. whose 180-plus members work globally.

GlobalGiving is the first and largest global crowdfunding community that connects nonprofits, donors, and companies worldwide.

* Disclaimer: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of non-U.S.Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. USAID CIDI does not exercise editorial control over any of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.