Toronto, ON, September 29, 2020 – Save the Children applauds the Government of Canada’s new commitment of $400 million to ensure a generation of children is protected in the global fight against COVID-19.
Today’s significant funding will go towards humanitarian and development efforts that respond to the immediate and secondary impacts of COVID-19. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement during a videoconference at the United Nations and is in line with continuing Canada’s plan of helping rebuild the world post-COVID.
The funding is in addition to last Friday’s announcement of a $440 million allocation to the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) facility, $220 million of which is additional to the International Assistance Envelope (IAE) and will go towards purchasing vaccine doses for low- and middle-income countries.
Bill Chambers, CEO of Save the Children, said:
“All over the world, coronavirus is tearing children’s lives apart. We are seeing disturbing rises in cases in places like North East Syria and in Rakhine, Myanmar, where Rohingya reside. This Canadian commitment will save lives and help protect a generation of children against the worst consequences of COVID-19.
“We are in a critical time where we are seeing 99% of the world’s children affected by disruptions like school closures, stretched health systems, lost livelihoods, increased risk of violence and restricted access to nutritious food. Now is the time we need leaders like Canada to commit to the global fight against this virus. We are reassured and inspired to see the Government of Canada step up to the challenge while calling on others to do the same. ”
ENDS
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Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Canada and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.