The second wave of coronavirus in India has been catastrophic; it has impacted every individual, household, and community. An alarming rise in the number of new infections in recent weeks has overstrained the healthcare ecosystem.
Oxfam and Microsoft have a long history of aiding humanitarian response and relief worldwide. Continuing the legacy, Oxfam India has partnered with Microsoft to help strengthen healthcare ecosystem to address the challenges that have come up with the 2nd wave and prepare for a possible wave 3.
The partnership will enable access to critical Covid care health services for 1.5 million people in severely affected districts of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
“India is facing an unprecedented crisis as the pandemic is leaving a trail of devastation and tragedy of unimaginable proportion. Though the health system is overwhelmed, the medical community (including doctors, nurses, paramedics, hospital support staff) continues to play a stellar role. We as citizens of this country must come forward to support the battle against COVID-19 in whatever way we can. Oxfam India is happy to partner with Microsoft to provide relief to the most marginalized people during this crisis,” says Amitabh Behar, CEO, Oxfam India.
“At Microsoft, we are deeply committed to support government’s efforts to democratize access to healthcare resources in these difficult times, especially for communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Through our partnership with Oxfam India, we are focused on using our technology, skills, resources, and voice to intensify support for severely affected rural parts. We believe a collaborative approach is the best way and will continue to work closely with government and nonprofit partners to accelerate response.” says Manju Dhasmana, Director Corporate Affairs – CSR/ Philanthropies, Microsoft India.
