A frightening spike in India’s COVID-19 infection is claiming thousands of lives and devastating countless families as they grapple to gain access to the healthcare system that has been overburdened by the relentless second wave of the deadly virus.
Hospitals are running out of oxygen. Intensive care units are incapacitated and people are being turned away from emergency rooms because they are either full or lack critical medical supplies.
In response to this escalating public health situation in India, SBS Radio is launching the to raise funds and say out loud that “India, we are with you”.
David Hua, Director of Audio and Language Content at SBS, says people in Australia are struck by the worsening coronavirus outbreak in India.
“Many Australians are very worried about family and friends in India and are often overwhelmed with not knowing what can be done about it. I hope that SBS’s provides way for the community – especially Australian’s with Indian heritage – to feel connected through a common cause,” Mr Hua says.
Sometimes knowing that something, however big or small, is being done, can help with the sense of helplessness - David Hua
What is the SBS India COVID Appeal Radiothon?
Through this special effort, we’re collecting funds for UNICEF to support them in their endeavour to provide lifesaving assistance to people, families and vulnerable communities in India who may be in need of urgent support.
On 21 May, broadcasters and producers from our South Asian program teams will deliver six hours of special coverage online, on radio and Facebook as part of this collaborative effort.
Join us to say 'India, we are with you'
Join us from 4 - 10 pm, as SBS Gujarati, Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, Malayalam, Bangla, Urdu and other language programs bring live coverage from around Australia and ground reports from India.
You can watch online via our SBS language Facebook pages.
How will the funds be utilised?
Your support to the SBS Radiothon will:
- Increase access to lifesaving oxygen by delivering Oxygen Generation Plants to hospitals to treat severe and critical COVID-19 cases.
- Provide rapid, accurate testing machines in some of the most affected districts.
- Support the ongoing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines through the UNICEF-supported COVAX initiative.
How to donate?
All donations above $2 are tax-deductible.
Please donate generously and help UNICEF rush critical lifesaving supplies and services to protect families and communities in India.
