“Another big challenge is the deluge of misinformation and fake news which is deterring people from getting the vaccine. My colleagues are trying to help by running helplines across Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh which tackle misinformation and provide up-to-date details on the availability of hospital beds, oxygen cylinders and vaccines. Their phones are ringing off the hook.

Everything is made so much harder because of the nature of this virus and I’m currently having to stay at home due to local government restrictions, but I’m in constant contact – day and night – with local women leaders to coordinate as much support as possible.

The women and girls I work with are telling me they’re not only terrified about losing their lives, but are worrying about starving because they’ve lost their jobs. Their words echo in my mind as I try to sleep at night.

The government is distributing food like grains and sugar, but there needs to be more variety in what’s provided so people can have a balanced diet, and it needs to be made more widely available. ActionAid is trying to help by providing thousands of packages of food, as well as safety and sanitation kits to stop the spread. We’re working with local volunteers who understand their local cultures and languages as we know this is the best way to reach the most vulnerable people.”

How India’s second wave of Covid-19 is proving devastating for women and girls