What we do in emergencies
Water and sanitation
Without safe drinking water, people die fast. It's vital they keep clean too. Oxfam has a global reputation for setting up water supplies, toilets and taps for thousands of people, quickly and efficiently, even in the toughest circumstances. Learn more about our water and sanitation work
Photo: Rajendra Shaw
Make a donation
Make a donation to Oxfam's emergency fund, Oxfam 365, and help save lives every day of the year.
Health
Stopping disease spreading in cramped camp conditions is about more than laying on water and toilets. So, we train ‘health promoters’, who alert people to the new risks they may face, and give advice on hygiene. It’s simple, but life-saving. Learn more about our health promotion work
Photo: Lucy Davies
Protection
In emergencies, Oxfam does all it can to keep people safe. Sometimes, lives are directly threatened, especially during conflicts. Whenever we can, we try to use our influence to reduce violence – by lobbying governments and warring parties. Learn more about our protection work
Photo: Jos Koster
Food
People go hungry for many reasons. It may be long-term poverty or a short-term crisis. Food aid is sometimes the answer – but for us, it’s usually about stopping people becoming destitute. Learn more about our food security and nutrition work
Find out about joining our team
Photo: Glenn Edwards
Reducing risk
Often badly housed and making meagre livings, poor people are at particular risk from natural hazards like earthquakes and floods. We work with vulnerable communities worldwide, helping them organise, plan, and prepare to deal with disasters. Learn more about our disaster risk reduction work
Photo: Maite Alvarez
Gender
Women are especially vulnerable during emergencies. They have extra family responsibilities, face greater threat of violence, and often must battle discrimination to get what they need. Oxfam makes sure both women and men benefit from its work. Learn more about our gender work
Photo: Oxfam
