Swiss development aid re-allocated to combat virus
Aid, in the form of 10,000 protective suits, was delivered to Italy on Thursday, while funding has been allocated for multilateral efforts to combat Covid-19 worldwide.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/dos
Citing the importance of international solidarity, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) announced on ThursdayExternal link that it had already sent a shipment of protective suits, worth CHF100,000 ($103,625), to Italy, with another delivery planned.
Similar donations had previously been made to China, Nepal, and Serbia, the SDC wrote.
It also specified that such actions are first discussed with relevant government ministries – notably health, economics, and economic supply – to ensure that they are in line with national measures to combat Covid-19, and that much-needed Swiss supplies aren’t depleted.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a situation of national caution around the import and export of vital medical equipment. Earlier this week, a truck was stopped on its way from Italy into Switzerland, and a cargo of disinfectant confiscated by border guards.
Switzerland, meanwhile, received large quantities of protective material, including gowns, from China this week.
Financial help
As well as the deliveries, the SDC also wrote that CHF18 million has been allocated to multilateral groups working to combat the virus internationally: the World Health Organisation, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the World Bank, and the Global Fund.
The SDC’s general aid priorities and programs have also been slightly adjusted due to the crisis.
In various nations – Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Bolivia, Honduras, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Moldova, Kosovo – budgets will be redistributed over the coming months towards projects aiming to boost income and basic living conditions, to develop emergency health facilities, secure food supplies, and help refugees or displaced people.
While Switzerland, along with much of the developed world, struggles with the fallout from the pandemic, the SDC warns that less wealthy nations, especially in Africa, risk an even greater crisis should the virus break out there to the same extent as it has in Europe.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
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.
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.