The Government of Korea triples its contribution to global health agency Unitaid in 2023

The Republic of Korea announced a $15 million contribution to the global health agency Unitaid to support the implementation of its strategy. $10 million of these funds will support Unitaid’s work in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response by helping countries shift from an acute COVID-19 response to long-term preparedness, and the remaining $5 million will support Unitaid’s programmatic priorities in other disease areas.

Since Unitaid’s inception in 2006, the Republic of Korea has been a key donor and member of its Executive Board, having so far contributed a total of $95 million to support Unitaid’s essential role in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and more recently COVID-19.

“Unitaid is grateful for the Republic of Korea’s longstanding support and increased financial contribution this year to prepare the world for future global health emergencies. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Government of Korea and the private sector,” said Unitaid Executive Director Dr. Philippe Duneton. “Korean industries play a critical role in the development of innovative treatments, tests and tools that Unitaid makes accessible and affordable to those who need them most,” he added.

The announcement comes on the heels of Unitaid’s participation in the 2023 World Bio Summit in Seoul co-hosted by the Republic of Korea and the World Health Organization.