For families already struggling with poverty, the winter season brings even greater challenges.

With temperatures dropping to 10°C in normally balmy Bangladesh, the cold and foggy weather can be difficult for those who are accustomed to a warmer climate.

Cold, fever and other sicknesses strike many people, particularly children and the elderly.

Winter, a difficult time of year

For Mohammed, 58, the cold season is an unwelcome disruption. “The month of winter means months of unhappiness,” he says. “This is a difficult time of year.”

The father of 3 describes how his family suffers greatly from conditions such as pneumonia, asthma, and high fever during the cold months. The family struggles to make ends meet and afford treatment and care for one of Mohammed’s daughters, who has a disability.

41-year-old Hamida lives with her husband and 7 children. Her husband sometimes earns a small amount of money working as a day labourer, but the family struggles to make ends meet.

The arrival of winter, with its excessive cold and fog, means there are fewer opportunities to earn, and the family are unable to buy themselves warm clothes for cold weather.

It is a vicious cycle, with the lack of appropriate clothing leaving Hamida’s family vulnerable to illness, which in turn, affects their ability to work.

Protecting families from the cold

Islamic Relief’s annual Winterisation Program provides blankets, fuel and warm clothing to families in need.

Last winter, Islamic Relief supported 475,500 people across 18 countries to receive this vital support.

Photo: Mohammed and Hamida’s families are among those assisted last year

Mohammed describes his family’s happiness at receiving warm clothes from Islamic Relief. “These hoodies will protect our children from cold,” he says, with relief.

This year, we plan to extend the program to reach families in 19 countries. With your support, Islamic Relief can be a lifeline to even more people in need.

Please help us protect families from increasing hardship during the cold months. Donate to our Winter Appeal now.