ChildFund's COVID-19 Response by Region

In our supported communities, few new COVID-19 cases have been reported in recent months, though continued measures remain in place to promote public safety. Compulsory mask-wearing is found almost everywhere. In Uganda and Mozambique, nightly curfews remain in effect. And even while vaccines are increasingly reported available to the general public – including for teenagers in Kenya and Zambia – penetration of vaccines remains among lowest in the world. On a positive note, schools are open for in-person learning across most countries. ChildFund’s programming across the region continues to follow safety measures when gatherings occur and to explore other virtual means for connecting with children and families. In most areas, the communications we support between sponsors and children are nearly back to normal. We're grateful to see these precious connections further restored.

Following a challenging phase of increased cases and renewed restrictions in the fall, most of our areas of operation in Asia have seen a welcome reprieve as we closed the year. Vaccines are more generally available, and schools are open at least for hybrid learning. For some countries, such as Cambodia and Sri Lanka, in-person classes have resumed. ChildFund’s local partner organizations in these areas remain vigilant in following health protocols while introducing the flexibility of more in-person programming activities. We still rely on virtual outreach when appropriate. Our ability to facilitate timely communications between sponsors and children has greatly improved in most countries, with some delays still felt in Thailand.