Swiss focus on vaccine and diagnostics in global fight against Covid-19
The government has approved the allocation of CHF175 million ($180.3 million) to help secure universal access to diagnostic and therapeutic products and boost humanitarian assistance in the developing world.
Of this sum, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation has already given CHF52 million to organisations including the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and as bilateral aid in the form of rescue supplies for crisis-hit regions.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation has received CHF10 million for its search for a vaccine against the new coronavirus.
Among the new aid beneficiaries revealed on Wednesday are Gavi, a Geneva-based alliance that distributes vaccines in developing countries. It is set to receive CHF30 million. Switzerland is also making contributions to the Wellcome Trust Foundation and the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, which facilitate access to Covid-19 diagnostic and therapeutic products in the developing world.
The government is also providing an additional CHF50 million to step up humanitarian assistance in response to appeals from international organisations and to support bilateral aid projects.
A final CHF2.5 million will go to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The CHF175 million are part of an international aid package totalling CHF400 million announced two weeks ago to fight the pandemic. The government had already decided to issue half of that amount as an interest-free loan to the International Committee of the Red Cross and to make a contribution to the disaster fund of the International Monetary Fund.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Swiss development aid re-allocated to combat virus
This content was published on
Aid, in the form of 10,000 protective suits, was delivered to Italy on Thursday, while funding has been allocated for multilateral organisations.
This content was published on
Switzerland is well prepared to face an outbreak of coronavirus and is ready to support international efforts to prevent a pandemic, says minister.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.