These are uncertain times for us all. We are worrying about loved ones, digesting complex health information, and trying to work out how to manage unpredictable future scenarios. MAG’s priorities are the health and well-being of our 5,000 staff and their families, our commitment to deliver our work where we can, and our wider responsibility to help diminish the spread of this virus.
The COVID-19 crisis is severe and threatens the people we serve. Many of the communities we work with do not have the same infrastructure, healthcare systems, and support that we do. They need our help during this crisis now more than ever, and we are committed to serving those that we can without endangering the health or well-being of others.
Everything MAG does is aimed at making communities safer, so we will do our part to prevent our programs from contributing to the spread of the virus. This will involve some changes in the way we operate – such as a greater emphasis on remote risk education classes, logistical changes that reduce contact, and the dissemination health messages by our medical staff to communities. But our lifesaving work must continue where it can.
The threat of COVID-19 will pass; and when it does, the threat of unexploded landmines and ordnance will still be there for more than 60 million people around the world. MAG won’t stop until that threat is eliminated, and we know that our supporters – governments, donors, and the general public – will stand by us until it is.
We are thankful to all our partners for their understanding and support as we manage these challenging and uncertain times. And thankful, also, to our amazing staff in the 26 countries where we work who continue to display the utmost professionalism, flexibility, and dedication.
