U.S. gives global groups $580 million to combat COVID-19

WASHINGTON: The United States is providing $580 million to seven multilateral organizations fighting COVID-19 around the world.

The funding supports U.N. organizations that aid COVID-19 vaccine delivery, strengthen public health capacity and address the socioeconomic effects of the pandemic.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the new funding December 21 prior to a virtual meeting of foreign ministers and representatives of regional organizations on strengthening the global COVID-19 response in the face of the new omicron variant.

“While we know vaccines are a critical aspect to help end this pandemic, we also need to work with our partners to increase testing and surveillance, get life-saving equipment and resources to those most in need, and ensure that the most vulnerable have access to vaccination sites,” Blinken said.

The United States, in partnership with international organizations, has already delivered more than 340 million vaccine doses to more than 110 countries, part of over 1.2 billion doses the U.S. has pledged to share worldwide with no political strings attached.

The new funding brings total U.S. health and humanitarian assistance for the global response to COVID-19 to more than $19.6  billion.

Blinken urged other countries to also accelerate efforts to fight COVID-19 worldwide. “We must work together, and we must act quickly, to end this pandemic,” he said.

New U.S. funding for multilateral partners includes:

$280 million for the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 testing, surveillance and health services.

$170 million for UNICEF to expand delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and medical equipment, and to reduce the pandemic’s effects on education.

$75 million for the Pan American Health Organization to support COVID-19 vaccinations and monitoring in the Americas.

$20 million for the United Nations Development Programme’s employment services and other efforts to address the pandemic’s economic impacts.

$20 million for the United Nations Population Fund to protect health workers and provide safe reproductive and maternal health care.

$10 million for the Food and Agriculture Organization to improve surveillance and early warning of animal-borne diseases.

$5 million to UN Women to support women and girls during the pandemic, including programs to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

“COVID-19 is not only a health crisis, but a security, economic, humanitarian and development crisis,” Blinken said in announcing the new funding. “These resources reflect the deep commitment of the United States and the American people to a healthier, more secure world.”