Covid-19: Concert raises more than USD 127-million
30 million test kits had been ordered by the WHO together with the Global Fund, United Nations Children's Fund and Unitaid. Dr Ghebreyesus said the shipment of these tests would begin next week through the United Nations supply chain.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) tonight (20 April) shared updates on some of the projects in place to help in the global fight against Covid-19. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked the entertainment industry in particular for its support and fundraising efforts.
“The One World Together At Home concert raised more than USD 127 million to support several organisations responding to Covid-19, including USD 55m for WHO’s Solidarity Response Fund. In total the Solidarity Response Fund has received more than USD 194 million from some 270 000 individuals, corporations and foundations,” he said.
He added that the research teams tackling the virus were a step closer to finding a solution. “We are also continuing to lead research and development efforts. So far, more than 100 countries have joined the Solidarity Trial to evaluate therapeutics for Covid-19, and 1200 patients have been randomised from the first five countries.”
Some 30 million test kits had been ordered by the WHO together with the Global Fund, United Nations Children’s Fund and Unitaid. Dr Ghebreyesus said the shipment of these tests would begin next week through the United Nations supply chain, adding that the WHO had been working closely with the World Food Program to deliver masks, goggles, test kits, face shields and other medical equipment to 40 countries.
“We are hoping to ship nearly 180 million surgical masks, 54 million N95 masks and three million pairs of protective goggles to countries in desperate need of this equipment.”
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