UN Provides $15 Million Support to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The UN has decided to provide $15 million (approximately 18 billion KRW) to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, stated on the 1st (local time), "The UN has decided to allocate $15 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

This measure comes as the WHO raised the global risk level of COVID-19 to the highest level, "very high."

The UN funds will be provided to WHO and UNICEF and are expected to be used for essential activities such as virus transmission monitoring, case investigations, and laboratory operations.

Previously, WHO requested $675 million in support to combat COVID-19.

Mark Lowcock said, "We have not yet confirmed evidence that the virus is spreading freely," adding, "This means we still have an opportunity to contain the virus."

He continued, "We must take swift and strong measures such as early detection of cases and isolating and caring for patients," and added, "We must act now to prevent COVID-19 from endangering more lives."

He also stated, "The funds contributed by the UN emergency fund will help countries with weak health systems respond to COVID-19."

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said, "The biggest concern is the spread to countries with weak health systems," and responded, "This fund will greatly assist in protecting healthcare workers, treating patients, and combating the virus."

Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, also said, "At this critical moment, all efforts must be made to prevent the spread of COVID-19," and added, "This funding will strengthen our efforts to reinforce health systems and inform children, pregnant women, and their families on how to protect themselves."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.