As coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts the globe, CEO Clare Steele shares an update on what this means for Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program.

As the world faces the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, I want to share what Compassion is doing to care for the children registered with our Child Sponsorship Program.

Our local church partners and staff are working to prevent the spread of the virus among children and staff and have already taken action.

At a global level, travel has been suspended for both staff and supporters to try to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus to supporters, children and staff—especially to protect those who may be more at risk to the sickness.

How Compassion is Responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

At a local level, Compassion field countries are following relevant advice from their governments specific to their unique country contexts.

For some of our field countries, this looks like temporarily suspending group program activities at the centres in line with restrictions on group gatherings.

You can read about specific country updates here.

Please understand that this could result in delays in receiving letters from your sponsored child during this time.

Rest assured—our staff in affected countries are exploring different ways to support the children. And should a child or family member be diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19), child development centre staff will provide support as needed.

Another way child development centres are working to prevent the transmission of the virus is through an emphasis on handwashing. While proactive education in hygiene and disease prevention has always been a vital part of Compassion’s program, a pandemic like this one brings even more focus to appropriate hygiene practices to help protect the health of children.

How Compassion is Responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Please join us in prayer for those who have been affected by this pandemic across the world. Please pray for the protection, health and safety for all Compassion assisted children and their families, local churches, sponsors and staff.

We pray that you and your loved ones are safe and well. Thank you for your ongoing support to serve the needs of over 2.1 million children living in poverty across the world.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Thank you for joining me in prayer,

Clare Steele

Clare Steele Signature

P.S. Respiratory illnesses caused by viruses are among the top medical needs we see affecting Compassion registered children. To help children suffering from respiratory illnesses, please give to Compassion’s Health Critical Need. Your support can help provide emergency medical care to children in need.