AS India faces a massive surge in new infections and deaths caused by COVID-19, Pope Francis said he was praying for all those affected by the huge health emergency.
With so many in India suffering, “I am writing to convey my heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness to all the Indian people, together with the assurance of my prayers that God will grant healing and consolation to everyone affected by this grave pandemic,” he wrote.
Smashing global records, on May 5 more than 412,000 new cases and 3,980 deaths were registered in India in just 24 hours; however, health experts estimate the actual numbers are much higher due to unrecorded deaths and infections.
The World Health Organization said India has accounted for 46 per cent of global cases and 25 per cent of global deaths reported in the past week.
The enormous second wave has had a devastating impact on India’s healthcare system, with widespread shortages of hospital beds and oxygen.
Vaccine registrations recently opened to adults; however, vaccines are also in short supply due to shortages of materials and a slowdown in manufacturing.
“Now, more than ever, it’s vital that we provide support to India to prevent even more lives being lost,” Bernice Sarpong, Caritas Australia’s emergency program co-ordinator for Asia, said.
“We are working with our local partner Caritas India to support marginalized communities to prevent spread of the virus and also educating on how to look after loved ones with COVID-19 at home, while the healthcare system is overwhelmed.”
“People are flooding hospitals, the hospitals have no beds and people are just dying. We are distressed and worried as we see in front of our eyes hundreds of our own near and dear ones dying or not getting a place in the hospitals,” Caritas India executive director Fr Paul Moonjely said.
“We are equally worried about the protection and safety of our health workers.”
Caritas India, Caritas Australia’s partner in India, seeks to provide livelihoods, food, hygiene materials and psychosocial support to the most vulnerable.
The organisation is currently working to set up COVID-19 information centres and treatment centres to reach marginalised communities.
Caritas Australia has launched the India COVID-19 Appeal to help support vulnerable communities in India. Visit caritas.org.au/india-appeal or call 1800 024 413 toll free to provide much needed support to the appeal.
