Karuna USA’s work matters now more than ever. In South Asia, vast numbers of people live on the edge. A number of factors compound this. Stigma and inequality prevent social progress. Climate change is causing deadly annual heatwaves, floods and food insecurity, forcing millions to leave their homes and become migrants. High inflation and the rising costs of basic foodstuffs, clothing and medicines are making subsistence living more difficult. while the on-going repercussions of the covid pandemic have reversed many gains in education, health, gender equity and income. 

Countries in South Asia are still recovering from exacerbated social problems due to the covid pandemic. Domestic violence more than doubled - a woman was raped every twenty minutes. This increase of gendered violence was so extreme that the UN labelled it the “Shadow Pandemic”. Its causes were clear. Millions of women found themselves isolated with potential abusers in cramped living conditions.

India, Nepal and Bangladesh are also suffering under the staggering heat. In May 2024, the hottest day ever was recorded in India at 126 degrees. This was in the north where a billion people live. The human cost is devastating, especially for the poorest who lack cooling devices and are more likely to engage in outdoor, manual work. This is why we have focused on climate adaptation programs and increased our support to sustainable livelihoods.  

The communities we support are at a crucial juncture where many have fallen or risk falling back into poverty and struggle. Together we can protect the gains we have made and continue overcoming barriers to opportunity.