The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been coordinating the COVID-19 response efforts in the Americas, actively engaging governments, experts and civil society in the fight against the pandemic. With the epicenter of the outbreak moving towards the United States and the spread of the virus accelerating all over the continent, such coordination is indispensable for the achievement of the ultimate goal of saving lives.
The COVID-19 Response Fund is a safe way for individuals, philanthropic institutions, and companies to contribute to the effort led by WHO and PAHO in the Americas region to respond to the pandemic.
The United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation have created the solidarity fund to support WHO, including its regional offices, and its partners in a massive effort to help countries — especially those most in need — to prevent, detect, and manage the new coronavirus.
The Fund will allow WHO and PAHO to:
- Send essential supplies, such as personal protective equipment, to front-line health workers.
- Allow all countries to track and detect the disease by increasing the capacity of laboratories by training and equipping them.
- Ensure that health workers and communities around the world have access to the latest scientific information to protect themselves, prevent infection, and care for those in need.
- Increase efforts to accelerate the discovery and development of life-saving vaccines, diagnostic tests, and treatments.
- The Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan outlines a funding need of at least US$675 million for critical response efforts in countries most in need of help through April 2020. As this outbreak evolves, financing needs are likely to increase.
Click on the DONATE NOW button below to donate to the COVID-19 Response Fund through the secure digital portal. You can find information there on payment options and tax exemption possibilities for some countries. For more information on PAHO’s response, please visit their dedicated COVID-19 response page by clicking here.