We are ramping up our responses in the world’s most fragile settings to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus – and keeping our current programs up-and-running at this difficult time.

As the coronavirus continues to spread globally, we have all had to make adjustments in our daily lives and routines. For those living in refugee camps or overcrowded settlements, life has become unrecognizable.

This year, World Water Day falls amidst one of the world’s worst pandemics. We sat down with Relief International’s Technical Director for Water and Sanitation Jill Lauren Hass to understand the challenges that refugees, displaced families, and those living in fragile settings face in accessing clean water in the midst of a global pandemic.

Iran is poised to become the new epicenter of the coronavirus. Relief International is one of only two international nonprofit organizations authorized by OFAC and the Iranian authorities to operate in Iran, responding to humanitarian crises like the coronavirus outbreak.

Building blocks and children’s books are scattered across the center’s colorful mat floors, and peals of laughter echo throughout the room. This space looks like any other daycare, but it’s not. This one is special. It provides a glimmer of hope in the lives of the youngest Syrian refugees.

The deadly flash floods that struck southern Iran in mid-January have left widespread infrastructure damage in its wake, uprooting more than 250,000 people in 933 villages. Families at the center of the crisis are in urgent need of access to clean sources of water and sanitation facilities. Relief International’s emergency response is underway.

“January 15 was one of the worst days of my life,” recalls Kadija Al-Qadri. After a relatively easy pregnancy, she eagerly awaited the moment when she would hold her youngest child in her arms. But Kadija’s excitement was replaced with fear after she learned that her baby was transverse, or positioned horizontally. In Yemen, it’s a diagnosis that can be deadly.

Iranians are facing catastrophic floods – again. It’s only been nine months since last spring’s deadly torrential rains hit hundreds of cities and villages, triggering landslides and damaging homes beyond repair. As the rains continue, our teams are working to meet families’ most urgent needs for food, clean water, blankets, hygiene kits, and emergency shelter.