USAID announces $720m for COVID-19 response, recovery worldwide

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2021 (FBC) – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power announced approximately $720 million in new funding to expand and intensify the fight against COVID-19 abroad, respond to humanitarian crises exacerbated by COVID-19, and support a global recovery while preparing for future pandemic threats.

The funding will accelerate the U.S. COVID-19 global response and recovery framework objectives to advance global vaccination, support health systems, and address acute impacts.

Importantly, the funding will help countries deliver safe and effective vaccines, including programs to train health workers to deliver vaccines, keep vaccines at the right temperature, and educate people on the importance of getting vaccinated.

The funding will also help countries to reduce COVID-19 cases and deaths until vaccines are more widely available, including programs to expand COVID-19 testing, keep health workers safe with protective equipment such as masks and gloves, increase countries’ oxygen supply, fight misinformation, better equip laboratories, and strengthen disease surveillance.

Approximately $445 million of the total funding is for sub-Saharan Africa to support COVID-19 response and vaccine readiness and urgent humanitarian needs consistent with the African Union’s continental COVID response strategy, according to a statement issued by USAID.

Of this amount for Africa, approximately $320 million will specifically help address urgent humanitarian needs in nearly 20 countries throughout Africa, helping partners deliver emergency food assistance, prevent the spread of COVID-19 through water, sanitation, and hygiene programs, and provide support for children and psychosocial care for survivors of gender-based violence as well as other protection challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.