PAHO joins Global Citizen as a partner in its United for Our Future campaign

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) was chosen by Global Citizen as one of its regional partners for the Americas of its United for Our Future campaign, which seeks to raise funds for the development of tests, treatments and vaccines against COVID-19, and to guarantee their equitable access to everyone, everywhere.

The campaign will also focus on mitigating the impact of the pandemic on people living in poverty and getting the world back on track towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On Saturday, June 27, a major concert will be held to provide governments, corporate leaders, and philanthropists with a platform to make their commitments towards the fair distribution of tools and treatments for COVID-19.

The initiative is the next step in a marathon effort to strengthen global health systems and support the vital work of organizations such as PAHO and the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Fund for Response to COVID-19, along with other United Nations institutions and agencies.

As a regional implementing partner, PAHO will be eligible to receive funds from government donors, businesses, philanthropic organizations, and the general public. In addition, those interested can also make direct donations to PAHO through its website at www.paho.org/covid-19-response-fund

PAHO is providing critical leadership and leading regional efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean. The organization is supporting countries to save lives, slow the spread of the disease and protect the most vulnerable people, including health workers. Through well-established mechanisms, PAHO also facilitates the acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE) and essential medical supplies.

The Global Goal: Unite for our Future campaign was launched last month under the patronage of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The campaign, also supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, focuses on addressing the pandemic’s impact on the most vulnerable and seeks to build back communities and economies with freedom and justice for all.

World leaders from numerous countries, along with foundations and philanthropists, have already joined the European Union (EU) in a call for billions in investments for the development and equitable distribution of COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.

Carissa F. Etienne, Director of PAHO, said: “We are glad to join this important campaign to draw attention to the action needed to help the most vulnerable populations face the very difficult challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds we receive through this initiative will allow PAHO to continue supporting our countries in their response to the pandemic, especially for the most affected people in the region of the Americas, including indigenous populations and vulnerable families in densely packed cities.”

The campaign will also be supported by artists from around the world. These artists will help rally the public to ask world leaders to commit the necessary funds to ensure equitable access to tools and treatments for COVID-19.

Original source: PAHO
Published on 22 June 2020