Our solidarity movement grows stronger every day.

In the face of an unprecedented pandemic that is forcing all of us to physically separate from one another, hundreds of thousands of people are instead coming together virtually to fight back.

In just three months, the COVID-19 virus has spread to every corner of the planet.

Yet in just three weeks, the world has raised more than $127 million to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

And we want you to join us.

“We’re seeing at the individual level an extraordinary outpouring of solidarity around the world,” UN Foundation’s President and CEO Elizabeth Cousens told Yahoo Finance this week. “We should emerge from this crisis stronger — and with a renewed commitment to cooperate.”

ALL HANDS ON DECK

The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund is the only way for individuals and companies to support the World Health Organization (WHO)’s global response to the pandemic — and every donation matters.

Companies have stepped up from the start and more continue to join the solidarity movement every day.

This week, Sony, Starbucks and Microsoft pledged support for the Fund, as well as some of the world’s most celebrated fashion designers, including Ralph Lauren, Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, and Jimmy Choo.

Last weekend, Twitch — the world’s leading live-streaming platform for gamers — brought together celebrities and fans alike to raise more than $2.7 million through music performances, interviews, and live competitions during a 12-hour “Stream Aid.”

Meanwhile, individuals across the planet are finding unique and creative ways to connect and crowd-source in support of WHO’s global pandemic response.

“The world needs to stay apart and come together,” Karen Forde of Ireland told my colleague this week in our new Solidarity Spotlight series highlighting some of our generous supporters around the world. Karen decided to launch a 4,000-squat fitness challenge on GoFundMe to raise donations. “I just want to do my part,” she says.

YOUR SUPPORT AT WORK

As the UN agency responsible for international public health, WHO is leading the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic by mobilizing resources, coordinating governments, speeding up vaccine research and development, and providing vital supplies to frontline health workers.

So far, WHO has shipped nearly 1.8 million pieces of personal protective equipment, as well as 1.5 million testing kits to countries across the globe.

Today, WHO announced that the Fund will also help support UNICEF’s work providing access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for the planet’s most vulnerable families, which will be crucial to stopping the spread of infection. UNICEF will also mobilize its vast community outreach and country programs to educate families, caretakers, teachers, and social workers with evidence-based guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic.

RALLYING BEHIND HEALTH WORKERS

Few emergencies have showcased the heroism of health workers like the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of World Health Day on April 7th, UNF is joining forces with United Way Worldwide and Comic Relief US’s Red Nose Day to launch #HopefromHome, a first-of-its-kind social media fundraiser that will unite entertainers, CEOs, influencers, gamers, and viewers across a wide range of platforms — including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook.

Throughout the day, participants can watch inspiring stories about men and women in a different kind of uniform who are sacrificing their safety to save lives in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and health care facilities across the globe. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

At the heart of our solidarity movement is the understanding that we must invest in the global response now — or pay a far greater price later.

“Financing the health response is an essential investment not just in saving lives, but in the longer-term social and economic recovery,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a media briefing this morning.

Every dollar counts. Protecting and investing in health workers and first responders will be crucial to stop the spread. Just $25 can purchase 10 liter-sized bottles of disinfectant for hospital staff. Donating $100 can provide 3,750 surgical masks for health workers on the front lines of the pandemic. A $500 donation can supply 168 protective hooded coveralls.

DONATE TODAY

If you have a U.S. mobile carrier, you can also give via text:

  • To give $25 to WHO, text WHO25 to 501501.
  • To give $50, text WHO50 to 501501.

Have questions about the fund? Visit our FAQ.

Every donation makes a difference. Support WHO’s life-saving efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by giving to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Donations made via Facebook will be matched up to $10,000,000. Through April 30, 2020, for every $1 you donate here, Google.org will donate $2, up to $5,000,000.

Donate to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund