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UNICEF raises COVID-19 appeal to US$651.6 million, thanks partners for all contributions and support
As the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases has soared, so have the needs for children and families around the world. Hundreds of millions of children are now forced to remain indoors. Parents and caregivers are working remotely whenever they can. Borders have been closed. Lives have been upended.
Contributions at the global level allow UNICEF to respond rapidly and strategically to where the needs are greatest. They give UNICEF the greatest level of flexibility to deliver timely and effective assistance to the most vulnerable children in partnership with UN agencies, governments and the private sector.
As of 30 March, US$52 million had been received thanks to contributions from:
| Resource partner | Donation (US$) |
|---|---|
| Government of Japan | 28,863,873 |
| United Kingdom | 7,612,903 |
| United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) | 5,000,000 |
| United States of America | 4,600,000 |
| Republic of Korea | 2,800,000 |
| Asian Development Bank | 1,500,000 |
| Private sector | 1,495,169 |
| World Health Organization | 250,000 |
| Government of Switzerland | 50,000 |
| Government of Australia | 48,947 |
| Total: | 52,220,892 |
As an organization funded entirely by voluntary donations, UNICEF relies on support from the private sector as a core source of income. During emergencies, that need is even greater and more urgent.
Included in the private sector contributions to UNICEF’s COVID-19 response listed above are financial and/or in-kind contributions from the following corporate partners:
- Facebook, Inc.
- Nordeus
- Primark
- Prudential Financial
- Springs Capital
- Teck Resources
UNICEF’s appeal and strategy is in line with the WHO’s inter-agency Strategic Response Plan and the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Pledges
In addition to funds received, UNICEF has approximately US$70 million in commitments from, and partnerships with, public and private sector actors, including Ireland, Switzerland, the United States of America, Denmark, Asian Development Bank, Global Partnership for Education, Vodafone, UPS, Google, Poul Due Jensen Foundation, Sony, S&P Global Foundation, and Target.
With this generous support and timely funding, UNICEF staff members worldwide are working around the clock to:
- Provide lifesaving information about handwashing and sanitation
- Supply personal protective equipment including gowns, masks, goggles and gloves, and other essential supplies
- Distribute emergency education kits and distance learning opportunities
- Support affected children with psychosocial counselling
In addition, UNICEF has allocated US$8.2 million from its Emergency Programme Fund, a loan mechanism supported by Regular Resources, to meet the critical needs and scale up the response until additional funding is secured.
How to support UNICEF’s COVID-19 response
Through contributions at the global, regional and country levels, partners support the delivery of results against the Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) COVID-19 appeal. Contributions at the global level allow UNICEF to respond rapidly and strategically and to deliver timely and effective assistance to the most vulnerable children.
Through contributions at the global, regional and country levels, partners support the delivery of results against the Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) COVID-19 appeal. Contributions at the global level allow UNICEF to respond rapidly and strategically and to deliver timely and effective assistance to the most vulnerable children.
