India is at the epicentre of the global COVID-19 pandemic that is now spreading out into India's hinterland. Currently, those most in need are in India's rural communities. Since the start of May, record daily infections and deaths are being reported from rural areas, that are home to over 70% of India's 1.3 billion population.

A lack of awareness and reluctance to test is compounded by the fact that most medical facilities are concentrated in the cities. People do not have enough information to diagnose or treat symptoms at home. When they try to seek treatment, there are limited or no beds or medicines in government hospitals, and the cost of private facilities is often way above what people can afford.

In addition, this wave comes on the back of suffering and stress faced by rural communities for more than a year, with families already in deep distress due to lack of livelihoods, reduced income, and insufficient access to food. Hunger is also a continuing disaster for parts of India's rural population.

HOW WE WILL HELP

Having consulted with the Indian and UK governments, our Advisors and programme partners in India, we have outlined a package of support that will complement what industry, government and other charities are doing to help.

The biggest difference we can make right now is to get oxygen and medical supplies as quickly as possible to those that need them most.

In the last three weeks, a staggering £4m has been donated to our appeal. This vital support will help fund not just 4,835 oxygen concentrators but also 2 PSA plants (oxygen generators), medical supplies and tele medical linkages to 2,000 villages in India.

Our partner Swasth is now deploying oxygen concentrators in 27 States and Union Territories across India, up from 13 a week ago. In addition to the large urban areas, oxygen concentrators and other urgent medical support is being allocated to rural areas where there is little by way of doctors, medical facilities, basic medication and information.

Your donation will go directly towards funding our Oxygen for India Emergency Appeal, helping those who require oxygen treatment or emergency support during the current wave of the pandemic in India. If through this appeal we raise more funds than can be implemented by our partners, the extra funds will be used for our vital work to help the poorest people in South Asia rebuild their lives following the pandemic.

Thank you again for your support. As we emerge from the worst of the pandemic here in the UK, we continue to remember and pray for those in India in the midst of their darkest days.

£25 could provide a family with a COVID Care Box to treat mild forms of COVID-19 from home; provide essential supplies; and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed.

£100 could provide 66 families with free access to telecare in which they will receive a diagnosis, be sent treatment or referred to a hospital if required.

£250 could provide 10 families of 5 people each with essential food rations to help them survive for a month.

£500 could help contribute toward a PSA oxygen plant that will permanently provide a hospital with a sustainable oxygen supply.