University of Oxford to support global communities impacted by Covid

The project is one of 20 benefitting from vital UK government funding to aid global communities most at risk from the impact of coronavirus due to long-term conflict, food and water shortages, and crowded living conditions.

The 20 new projects will will benefit from a share of £7.2 million of UK government funding and bring scientists and researchers together to develop new technology to address the challenges faced by vulnerable people such as refugees and children.

The University of Oxford will work with the universities of Cape Town and KwaZulu -Natal, aiming to improve childcare and reduce child abuse across Africa and Asia, by supporting parents experiencing stress, illness or financial security during the pandemic.

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An offline-app will be created to give resources to the approximate 1 billion children out of school due to Covid.

Business secretary Alok Sharma said: “Defeating coronavirus is a truly global endeavour, which is why we’re backing Britain’s scientists and researchers to work with their international counterparts to find tech solutions to treat and combat this virus around the world.

“By backing this pioneering research project led by the University of Oxford to support parents across Africa and Asia with childcare advice during the pandemic, we are equipping some of the most vulnerable communities with the resources they need to tackle pandemics now and in the future.”