Initiative seeks to raise billions in commitments for the development and distribution of tests, treatments and a vaccine against COVID-19. Donors can also choose to make direct contributions to PAHO
Washington, DC, June 22, 2020 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) was chosen by Global Citizen as one of its regional partners for the Americas of its United for Our Future campaign, which seeks to raise funds for the development of tests, treatments and vaccines against COVID-19, and to guarantee their equitable access to everyone, everywhere. The campaign will also focus on mitigating the impact of the pandemic on people living in poverty and getting the world back on track towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On Saturday, June 27, a major concert will be held to provide governments, corporate leaders and philanthropists with a platform to make their commitments towards the fair distribution of tools and treatments for COVID-19. Hosted by Dwayne Johnson, The Concert will feature performances from Chloe x Halle, Christine and the Queens, Coldplay, J Balvin, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Bieber and Quavo, Miley Cyrus, Shakira, Usher and Yemi Alade. The Concert will also include appearances from Charlize Theron, Chris Rock, David Beckham, Derrick Johnson, Diane Kruger, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Jackman, Ken Jeong, Kerry Washington, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Olivia Colman, Opal Tometi, Salma Hayek Pinault and more.
The initiative is the next step in a marathon effort to strengthen global health systems and support the vital work of organizations such as PAHO and the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Fund for Response to COVID-19, along with other United Nations institutions and agencies.
As a regional implementing partner, PAHO will be eligible to receive funds from government donors, businesses, philanthropic organizations, and the general public. In addition, those interested can also make direct donations to PAHO through its website at www.paho.org/covid-19-response-fund
PAHO is providing critical leadership and leading regional efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean. The organization is supporting countries to save lives, slow the spread of the disease and protect the most vulnerable people, including health workers. Through well-established mechanisms, PAHO also facilitates the acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE) and essential medical supplies.
The concert on June 27 will be aired by numerous broadcasters on various continents, and streamed on platforms including YouTube, Twitter, Yahoo, Apple, Twitch and others.
The Global Goal: Unite for our Future campaign was launched last month under the patronage of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The campaign, also supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, focuses on addressing the pandemic’s impact on the most vulnerable and seeks to build back communities and economies with freedom and justice for all.
World leaders from numerous countries, along with foundations and philanthropists, have already joined the European Union (EU) in a call for billions in investments for the development and equitable distribution of COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.
Hugh Evans, CEO OF Global Citizen, said, “Global Citizens around the world are calling for systemic change, change that brings about justice for everyone, everywhere, regardless of where they were born or the color of their skin. If we are to end COVID-19 for all, we need our world leaders to commit the billions of dollars needed to develop and equitably deliver testing, treatments and vaccines. Global Goal: Unite for Our Future—The Concert will bring the centuries-old concept of music as a motivator for change and unity, together with science and data, to honor the problem solvers – including doctors, scientists, lab workers, essential workers and human rights advocates – who are racing to not only create the cure for COVID-19, but also to ensure that it’s available for everyone who needs it,” Evans added.
Carissa F. Etienne, Director of PAHO, said: “We are glad to join this important campaign to draw attention to the action needed to help the most vulnerable populations face the very difficult challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds we receive through this initiative will allow PAHO to continue supporting our countries in their response to the pandemic, especially for the most affected people in the region of the Americas, including indigenous populations and vulnerable families in densely packed cities.”
The campaign will also be supported by artists from around the world, including: Adam Lambert, Chloe X Halle, Chris Rock, Coldplay, Dionne Warwick, Femi Kuti, Fher of Maná, Hugh Jackman, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Lang Lang, Miley Cyrus, Padma Lakshmi, Rachel Brosnahan, and Shakira. These artists will help rally the public to ask world leaders to commit the necessary funds to ensure equitable access to tools and treatments for COVID-19.
