Africa Anti-COVID-19 Fund Gets £20 Million Donation

 

The new initiative set up by the African Union called the  ‘Africa anti-COVID-19 fund’ will be getting a donation of £20 million from the government of the United Kingdom in a bid to slow the spread of the virus.

This was disclosed by the UK International Development Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

The purpose of the fund id to support African nations and experts directly involved in the fight against the coronavirus, helping to ease some of the burdens as presented by the virus.

Ms. Anne-Marie said in a statement, “As the UK faces its biggest peacetime challenge in tackling coronavirus, it’s never been more important to work with our partners in Africa to fight disease.

“No one is safe until we are all safe and this new funding and support for African leadership will help protect us all in the UK, Africa and around the world from further spread of the virus, “

She noted that the fund will also be geared towards the support of proper documentation and surveillance of the virus on the African continent.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, said regarding the donation, “The truly global scale of the current crisis means that international cooperation and solidarity is more important than ever.

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“This new support for the African Union comes after the UK has already pledged over 900 million dollars to the international fight against coronavirus.

“The UK is also using its existing aid programmes to help vulnerable countries in Africa to strengthen their health systems.

“It also comes ahead of the UK hosting the virtual Global Vaccine Summit on June 4, to secure future funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has already saved the lives of millions of children in Africa from infectious diseases

“Many countries on the continent are beginning to see exponential increases in case numbers, presenting a severe risk to fragile healthcare systems."

Laing said that the fund will also help to support the weak healthcare systems on the continent, as an overwhelmed healthcare system will make the spread of virus easier and faster.

“If healthcare systems become overwhelmed, the worldwide spread of the virus will be difficult to slow, risking new waves of infection.

“The UK’s contribution to the Africa anti-COVID-19 fund will prevent this by working in partnership with the AU to help fight the virus, strengthen healthcare systems and save lives in the AU’s 55 member states.

“Today’s announcement brings the total UK aid contribution to fighting coronavirus to up to £764 million ($935.6 million), ”