Program

COVID-19 global response

CARE International is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic globally, meeting the challenge of the ever-changing global crisis that continues to impact millions of people.

How CARE International is responding to COVID-19 

For communities already facing extreme poverty, conflict and the impact of the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences.  

CARE International has adapted many existing programs and humanitarian responses to fit COVID-19, and in ways that keep our partners, program participants, and staff safe.  

In March 2020, most of our response was directed to water, handwashing, and community hygiene messaging. Now, we have expanded our approach to ensure improved access to health care, while also responding to food and hunger crises exacerbated by the pandemic and measures used to control it. In particular, almost 90% of our COVID-19 responses are focused on addressing the ‘shadow pandemic’ of gender-based violence. 

In places where healthcare systems are unstable and limited, COVID-19 prevention measures, such as handwashing, are lifesaving. For this reason, we provide training for health workers and distribute drinking water and food that can be stored in stock, as well as medication, disinfectants, and medical protective equipment. 

We have also significantly expanded our cash and voucher programming. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, only 17 CARE offices were doing cash-based response, compared to 41 countries now. This has given more than 890,000 people the choice and freedom to purchase what they most need, from medications to educational support for their children. 

How has CARE International’s work adapted in response to COVID-19?  

We are adapting more programs. By the end of March 2020, 31 CARE Country Offices had started adapting their programs to COVID-19’s realities. As of June 2021, 69 countries had adapted some or all of their work to respond to the crisis. 

We are better informed—especially about gender. In March 2020, we had yet to complete a Rapid Gender Analysis. As of January 2022, we had finalized and published 28, we are collecting data in 59 countries, 54 of which has disaggregated data for women specifically. As part of our RGAs, we have so far spoken to more than 6,500 people about what they need. 

A woman wearing a protective face shield speaks into a microphone. Behind her is a sign that says, "Give meals give hope."

CARE staff members from Raks Thai distributing food boxes in Thailand.

CARE International’s Fast and Fair Vaccine campaign 

CARE International’s Fast and Fair Vaccine initiative currently supports 22 countries in equitably delivering COVID-19 vaccines.  

Since the initiative started, CARE International has worked to promote vaccine safety, organize vaccine delivery, train health workers and volunteers, help ensure access for people who need it most, and mobilize people to get the vaccine by helping those with no internet access register for vaccines and keep appointments.  

That has resulted in 126 million people getting vaccinated in the places where CARE International is supporting vaccines. 263 million people have had access to accurate information on vaccines through mass media and tailored vaccine messages.