Denmark donates $18m to Ethiopia’s COVID 19 response

Addis Ababa, May 1, 2020 (FBC) -Denmark has provided $18 million support to Ethiopia’s national food security, social protection networks and women’s rights in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Karin Poulsen, Ambassador of Denmark to Ethiopia, said her country’s overall commitment has given a priority to vulnerable populations.

“Now is the time to show international solidarity and mitigate the risks and negative impacts of the COVID-19 health crisis,” said the ambassador.

She said the vulnerable health sector in Africa could further be affected by lock-downs and other measures put in place to control the disease adding Denmark is seeing the impacts on the African economies.

With the latest support to Ethiopia, she said her country targets to reach out to the “most vulnerable and poorest as they are expected to experience the greatest shocks and risks”.

“The prevention of violence against women and girls as well as access to maternal health services has been a particular priority,” the ambassador said.

The Danish support package of $18 million focuses on improving food security, enhancing social protection network, prevention of violence against women and girls and access to maternal health services, she noted.

Denmark has already committed $150 million for various development endeavors here through its five-year country program with Ethiopia which started in 2018.

The latest support to Ethiopia would make Denmark’s contribution to the global COVID-19 response $146 million.