Polish aid

The world is currently facing an unprecedented health threat on a scale previously unknown. The COVID-19 virus is spreading rapidly, and the numbers of the infected and the dead are growing dangerously fast. Health systems, economies and everyday lives are being put to the test in both developed and developing countries.

Regardless of a country’s economic status, it is the most vulnerable people who are worst affected by the pandemic: in particular, the elderly and those who suffer from chronic diseases, people deprived of access to proper healthcare, and those living in conflict areas.

To reduce the spread of infections, prevent new ones and save lives, joint national and international action is needed. On 23 March 2020  UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a global ceasefire - “Let us take inspiration from coalitions and dialogue slowly taking shape among rival parties in some parts to enable joint approaches to COVID-19.  But we need much more. End the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging our world.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has provoked further humanitarian challenges and needs in this very difficult operational environment. That is why the United Nations launched, on 25 March 2020, the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan allocating USD 2 billion to fight the virus.

On 26 March 2020, a high-level international videoconference was led by Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. The participants emphasized the seriousness of the situation, as well as the need for a common and rapid response. Mark Lowcock said: “To leave the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries to their fate would be both cruel and unwise. If we leave coronavirus to spread freely in these places, we would be placing millions at high risk, whole regions will be tipped into chaos and the virus will have the opportunity to circle back around the globe.” Many donors pointed out to the current need to remodel 2020 plans in terms of their feasibility and new, urgent needs. Participants underlined that the above amount allocated to the fight against the pandemic represents additional funds, without diminishing the previous allocations, especially for humanitarian aid and for the groups most at risk of  virus infection.

At the invitation of the organizers, Paweł Jabłoński, Undersecretary of State in the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the videoconference. Poland has taken a firm stance on the current challenge. “We do not forget about countries in a difficult humanitarian situation, countries which especially need help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It is our duty to extend our solidarity to countries in dire humanitarian situation and support their efforts to contain the pandemic.” said Minister Jabłoński. In response to an appeal from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), Poland has supported the UN Central Emergency Response Fund with a voluntary contribution of PLN 1 million, Minister Jabłoński announced during a conference call with UN OCHA and WHO. These funds were officially pledged on 26 March 2020 as an additional Polish payment to reduce the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an expression of Poland’s solidarity as a reliable and consistent donor of assistance for the operation of UN OCHA.

These new CERF funds for fighting the pandemic will be allocated to deliver essential laboratory equipment for coronavirus testing and medical supplies to treat people; install handwashing stations in camps and settlements; and launch public information campaigns on how to protect yourself and others from the virus.