The aim is to ensure all countries are prepared, especially those with the weakest health systems. The UN Foundation, at the request of World Health Organization (WHO), has created the fund which already has some major early supporters lined up including Facebook and Google. The non-profit H&M Foundation now commits 500,000 USD to the fund’s lifesaving work.
The donation made by the H&M Foundation will support WHO’s immediate global efforts to track and understand the spread of the virus, to ensure patients get the care they need, frontline workers get essential supplies and information, and to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments.
“Diseases don’t respect borders, and I am so grateful to H&M Foundation for recognizing that this truly global problem needs a truly global solution with everyone doing their part,” said Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the UN Foundation. “Their contribution to this historic fund will support the World Health Organization’s lifesaving work to help all countries to prevent, detect, and respond to COVID-19, especially where needs are greatest.”
The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund is currently the only way for individual donors and other charitable givers to contribute to WHO’s global response efforts.
“The growing COVID-19 pandemic affects us all and the World Health Organization is doing an extremely important job of leading and managing this global effort. We hope that more organisations and individuals want to join and help, as donations to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund are essential to meet funding needs in this fast-moving situation,” said Karl-Johan Persson, board member of H&M Foundation.
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, countries will have to prepare for and respond to this global outbreak, and consequently the funding needed is expected to increase.
”We are all experiencing an extraordinary situation which requires as many as possible to get involved to enable response efforts. The H&M Foundation’s contribution will be used to protect vulnerable patients and health workers in the front line through the establishment of intensive care units and access to protective equipment. We encourage everyone that want to help to get involved,” said Diana Amini, Global Manager, H&M Foundation.
More information about COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, or how to support go to: COVID19ResponseFund.org.
