Amir Khan launches emergency appeal as India’s coronavirus crisis worsens, with hundreds dying every hour

Amir Khan has launched an emergency fundraising appeal as the coronavirus crisis in India worsens.

The death toll in India has topped 200,000 as those who test positive for Covid-19 are forced to get oxygen in roadside tents, with hospitals turning patients away.

With conditions spiralling and cases skyrocketing, the boxer is hoping to help those in need, through his Amir Khan Foundation.

The foundation, along with NGO Dasra and One Family Global, has identified five organisations across India – Swasti, SaveLIFE Foundation, Aajeevika Bureau, Swasth Foundation and Goonj – to help offer crucial support.

The charities will be working together to provide support and healthcare, securing oxygen concentrators for hospitals, and delivering food to communities.

Speaking about their efforts, Amir said: ‘I’m so pleased to be working in partnership with Dasra, One Family Global and our partner organisations on the ground to provide urgent support in India.

‘The situation is critical – one person is dying every four minutes in New Delhi. 

‘It’s our duty to help our brothers and sisters in India in any way we can.’

Vishal Kapoor, from Dasra’s Strategic Philanthropy team, agreed: ‘We are thrilled to be partnering with the Amir Khan Foundation and are incredibly grateful to Amir and the foundation for their support. 

‘We’re also incredibly fortunate to have such amazing NGO partners stepping up and providing urgent relief to our most vulnerable communities at what is an incredibly difficult time for the whole country.’

As Sharif Banna, chairman of One Family Global, added: ‘The brutal effects of the pandemic that can be seen in India demand our urgent action. 

‘I am pleased to extend our support to the Amir Khan Foundation and Dasra in providing relief for those who need it most.’

The second wave of infections has seen at least 300,000 people in India test positive each day for the past week.

More than 200,000 people in the country are now confirmed to have died with Covid-19.

A makeshift crematorium has been set up in New Delhi as emergency services struggle to cope with the crisis.

Supplies arriving in the capital included ventilators and oxygen concentrators from Britain, with more sent from Australia, Germany and Ireland, while Singapore and Russia pledged oxygen cylinders and medical supplies.

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