COVID-19 Response

More than two years into the pandemic, with over 6 million deaths and close to 460 million cases reported, the challenge of defeating COVID-19 remains. With the possibility of new variants continuing to emerge, every effort must be made to mitigate risks and save lives.

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a singular role in leading the global health ecosystem. In February 2021, WHO appealed for US$ 1.96 billion to fund its essential role in ending the acute phase of the pandemic. As of September 2021, it still faced a funding gap of almost US$ 900 million. By supporting the COVID-19 Response Campaign, philanthropists, foundations, companies, and individuals can support WHO and its partners’ efforts to tackle COVID-19 around the globe. The funds raised are disbursed flexibly to where they are needed, as quickly as possible.

Individuals and the private sector can support WHO’s lifesaving work with direct financial contributions. These can be made from anywhere in the world, with online tax benefits provided to donors based in Switzerland, the USA, Canada, and some other locations. Contributions under US$ 10 000 can be made online here. For contributions above US$ 10 000, or to learn more about tax giving options, please contact the Partnerships team at the email address below.

Companies can support WHO’s efforts by:
– Making a corporate donation.
– Engaging employees and/or customers in a match giving or cause marketing campaign.
– Using its influence, reach, and channels by sharing the campaign with the company’s networks.

By making a donation, you can join WHO Foundation as a Health Emergency Partner to demonstrate your values and commitment to improving health and well-being in emergency situations around the world. WHO Foundation has various private sector donor recognition and partnerships opportunities available for your company. For more information, please reach out to the Partnerships team at the email address below.

WHO provides vital support and guidance to healthcare workers and decision makers in countries in the COVID-19 response through the Strategic Pandemic Response Plan (SPRP). The SPRP is used to guide and coordinate action at the national, regional, and global levels to overcome the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, address inequities, and to lead the way out of the pandemic.

Guided by the SPRP, WHO’s COVID-19 Response efforts help countries respond to the pandemic, especially where needs are greatest. Tackling misinformation, suppressing transmission, ensuring high-quality health services, vaccination, and accelerating access to new COVID-19 tools such as vaccines, tests, and treatments while strengthening public health capacities remains critical in the response to COVID-19.
Learn more WHO’s actions in relation to COVID-19 here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Yes. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund (SRF), in support of WHO’s global pandemic response. The SRF was a first response fundraising mechanism, which ceased active fundraising at the end of 2021. However, the pandemic is far from over. Following the closure of the SRF, the WHO Foundation continues to support WHO’s efforts to tackle this crisis. By partnering with the WHO Foundation, the private sector and individuals can make a vital contribution to the fight against COVID-19. Your incredible support over the last two years has been critical. Together, we must redouble our efforts to power WHO’s efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

Established in 2020 as an independent entity, the WHO Foundation complements and strengthens the work of WHO and its global network of partners by mobilizing new funding from diverse sources—including philanthropists, corporate entities, and the public—to power WHO’s mission. By addressing the world’s most urgent health issues in a new, transformative, catalytic way, the WHO Foundation aims to provide everyone, everywhere, a healthier, more equitable future.

The WHO Foundation, Partnerships Team
COVID19response@who.foundation