The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread globally and has reached countries with weak health systems which are less prepared to combat the disease. Vulnerable populations and those living in crisis will be hit the hardest by this outbreak.

That’s where the IRC comes in. We’ve launched coronavirus preparedness and response programs in over 40 countries, including the United States, Greece, Syria and Yemen. From sharing crucial information in Italy to training health care workers in Syria to continuing our vital work with refugees in the U.S., our teams are on the ground responding to the outbreak every day.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the IRC continues to offer essential health care. Below are midwives wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) at the reproductive health clinic in Bakassi Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camp in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The clinic offers sexual and reproductive healthcare 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Around 150 women give birth there each month.