As COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, claims lives around the world, it is followed by an info-demic of harmful rumours and false information.

BBC Media Action, the BBC's international charity, is working in this crisis to provide accurate, trusted information that people need to cope and survive - now and for the long term.

Our work supports independent media and communication for good, reaching more than 100 million people each year, in some of the world's most vulnerable and communities and countries. Right now, we are working with international partners to train journalists to report accurately on COVID-19 and to debunk mis- and dis-information. We've also launched, with partners, a project spanning six countries in Asia (Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and Indonesia) to create clear, fact-based content across print, television and radio broadcasts, and via social media.

People need the right information to keep their families safe. And they need support in the longer-term, to cope with and recover from this crisis.

We need your help to continue and scale up our response in this crisis.

We receive no funding from the BBC Licence Fee, and rely on the support of donors and supporters, large and small -- including people like you. We need to act quickly to help stop the spread of this virus. Please donate to help us continue this vital work.

If you'd like to learn more, please read this piece by our Bangladesh country director RIchard Lace, who talks about how our teams are working to help people protect themselves from COVID-19 while also struggling in the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan.