Aid for COVID-19 response in Africa

Some of the world’s poorest children, whose lives have been further affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, are to benefit from £2 million in funding from the Scottish Government’s International Development Fund.

Working with the humanitarian aid organisation UNICEF, the funds will help address the impact of the pandemic on children in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda.

The funds will be equally divided between each country and will be used to meet each country’s specific needs, including the support of water, sanitation and hygiene, child protection, health care, immunisation, nutrition and education.

The funds will also be used to help prepare the health systems in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Minister for International Development Jenny Gilruth said:

“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest challenges of our times.

“The disease has spread quickly to all corners of the world, and its capacity to virulently spread has overwhelmed even the most resilient health systems.

“So we are delighted to be working with UNICEF on this project to support their work, especially with children, in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda.

“In a week where the UK Government has reneged on its commitment to help some of the world’s poorest countries, this funding underlines that Scottish Government is deeply committed to fulfilling its role as a responsible and compassionate global citizen.

“This aid will provide essential help to those who are in desperate need.”

Background

The Programme for Government, which includes a commitment to supporting COVID-19 response in partner countries in Africa, can be read online.

Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda are the Scottish Government’s three African partner countries.

More information on UNICEF’s work in Africa can also be read online.