Millions of lives are at stake as coronavirus spreads fast in communities already devastated by crisis and conflict. Families that left everything behind to escape danger now face this new, silent threat.

The risks faced by those living in places like Yemen, Syria, Somalia, South Sudan, DR Congo, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are worse than we could have imagined. Many are living in crowded refugee camps with little access to medical care, a lack of clean water and not enough food, making them extremely vulnerable to coronavirus.

That’s why we’re supporting our global charity partner Plan International and their fellow DEC member charities to help protect those who have lost everything.

When major disasters hit countries without the capacity to respond, the DEC brings together 14 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly, helping the charities to rapidly scale up their operations on the ground.

We know from our experience in the UK that even a well-resourced health system struggles in the face of this virus. But through our work with Plan International we also know that in the most at-risk communities, there are nowhere near enough hospital beds or supplies to treat those who fall ill.

Back in April, Plan International’s Gemma Day shared her fears for the Syrian families she met when travelling to Jordan’s Azraq refugee camp with Chelsea in 2018 and 2019.

While the virus has thankfully not yet reached Azraq at the time or writing, in other vulnerable communities around the world the deadly threat of coronavirus could bring fresh suffering on a huge scale for families who have already lost so much.

Together with our charity partner Plan International we can help protect families who have lost everything as they face this deadly threat. To support the appeal, please visit plan-uk.org/DEC-Plan