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An invitation to join Zurich's vaccine efforts with UNICEF

The Z Zurich Foundation is partnering with UNICEF to help deliver COVID-19 vaccines to 92 lower-income countries to help end the pandemic. Care to join us? Read on.

Ending the pandemic is a race against the clock, and the global Z Zurich Foundation is joining alongside UNICEF, to help accelerate towards the finish line. At Zurich UK, we’re inviting others to join too, by supporting UNICEF’s efforts to lead on the delivery of COVID-19 vaccine as well as tests and treatments to 92 low and lower-middle income countries as part of the COVAX global initiative.

UNICEF is playing a major role in supporting country readiness and in-country delivery of vaccines, tests and treatments to those in need, with a focus on priority groups that include frontline health workers, older people, teachers and social service workers across all countries, regardless of income level, by the end of 2021.

The scale and speed of this intervention has been described as one of the most ambitious humanitarian challenges of the last 75 years and as the largest, fastest immunisation effort in history. Support is vital to ensure vaccines are delivered as soon as they are available.

“We’re privileged in the UK with high COVID-19 vaccination rates, and we have seen the very positive impact that is having on the pandemic recovery here” said Zurich UK CEO Tim Bailey. “Many countries don’t have the same means or access.  We want to help UNICEF improve vaccine equity and availability globally, and we invite our employees, distribution partners and suppliers to join us in this effort”

Zurich in the UK has set up a fundraising campaign in collaboration with The National Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) for anyone to donate easily, conveniently and tax effectively. The Z Zurich Foundation made an initial donation of £790,000 [CHF 1m] to UNICEF in support of the campaign and through to June 30 will match the first £1.97m [CHF2.5m] donated through the fundraising campaigns.

The matching amounts will be consolidated globally and channelled to UNICEF’s COVID-19 Vaccines Appeal through UNICEF Switzerland.

“Responding to one of the biggest needs linked to the pandemic, which is equitable access to vaccines, is the right thing to do and also is at the heart of our ambition,” said Gregory Renand, Head of the Z Zurich Foundation. “As part of our collaboration with UNICEF to support the global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments we hope to help as many people as possible, starting with those that are vulnerable and at risk. Now is the time to act and help save lives.” 

Since the onset of the pandemic, the Z Zurich Foundation has provided COVID-19 related support to over 2.4 million vulnerable people. Through grants to over 200 charities across more 30 countries, the Z Zurich Foundation initially supported programmes that addressed the most urgent needs, including providing PPE, medical equipment and food aid, before turning toward the vaccine effort.

It costs UNICEF, on average, £1.30 to supply one dose of the vaccine . All donations, no matter how big or small, will make a difference in people’s lives.

“Addressing the COVID-19 global pandemic requires all sectors to join hands, and so we are happy to welcome the contribution from Z Zurich Foundation towards supporting equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines,” said Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director for Partnerships. “Ending the pandemic is everyone’s business, because no one is safe until everyone is safe.”  

To donate, click here.

The Z Zurich Foundation campaign’s progress will be communicated regularly through the social media channels of the Z Zurich Foundation (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram). For more details, please visit the foundation’s donation page.

About COVAX

COVAX is the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a ground-breaking global collaboration co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI); and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its aim is to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world. UNICEF, in collaboration with the PAHO Revolving Fund, is leading efforts to procure and supply doses of COVID-19 vaccines on behalf of the COVAX Facility.

About UNICEF and UNICEF UK

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

 
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